The Hong Kong Court of Appeal granted an injunction on May 8 banning the distribution of the anti-extradition song “Glory to Hong Kong.” U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a regular press briefing on the same day that the United States was “seriously concerned about the continuous erosion of protections for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, including the freedom of expression.”
Mr. Miller believes that the ban of “Glory to Hong Kong” is “the latest blow to the international reputation of the city that previously prided itself on having an independent judiciary, protecting the free exchange of information, ideas, and goods. “
Sarah Brooks, Deputy Regional Director, Asia, of Amnesty International, said that “Banning “Glory to Hong Kong” not only represents a senseless attack on Hongkongers’ freedom of expression, it also violates international human rights law. She believes that “Singing a protest song should never be a crime, nor is it a threat to ‘national security’ as the government claims.”
Moreover, Benedict Rogers, CEO of “Hong Kong Watch,” an overseas group that closely follows the well-being of Hong Kong people, said “It is profoundly disturbing and revealing that the Hong Kong authorities find a song threatens their security. Hong Kong Watch remains gravely concerned about the implication of this injunction.” He also pointed out this case will have dire implications for internet freedoms and the operation of internet service providers (ISP) and technology firms such as Google and Apple. He urged the international community to respond to this act (of censorship) by calling out the dangers embedded in Hong Kong’s national security laws.
