A Hong Kong court on Wednesday granted a government request to ban a popular pro-democracy anthem, raising further concerns about free speech in the city.
The decision, which overturned an initial ruling, could give the government power to force Google and other tech companies to restrict online access to the song in Hong Kong.
At issue in the case is “Glory to Hong Kong,” which emerged in 2019 as an unofficial anthem for democracy protests and a flashpoint for the authorities, who considered it an insult to China’s national anthem.
The song has been banned from Hong Kong schools and has drawn angry official rebukes when played, apparently by mistake, at international sports events.
People convicted of posting seditious content online have gone to prison.
Organizations:
Google
Locations:
Hong Kong, Beijing, British