The High Court of Appeal issued a restraining order yesterday (8th), banning the dissemination of the anti-extradition bill song “Glory to Hong Kong.” On the same day, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department expressed serious concerns about human rights and freedom in Hong Kong during a routine press conference.
The spokesperson, Miller, believes that the ban on “Glory to Hong Kong” is the latest blow to Hong Kong’s international reputation and described Hong Kong as “once a city proud of having an independent judicial system to protect personal data, property, and freedom of thought and speech.”
Sarah Brooks, China Director of Amnesty International, stated that the prohibition of “Glory to Hong Kong” is not only a senseless attack on freedom of speech for the people of Hong Kong but also a violation of international human rights law. She believes that singing protest songs should never be a crime and does not pose a threat to “national security.”
In addition, Rogers, executive director of the overseas group “Hong Kong Watch,” expressed deep concern over the authorities in Hong Kong claiming that a song threatens their security. “Hong Kong Watch” is seriously concerned about the impact of the ban and pointed out that this case will have a “dire impact” on internet freedom, as well as on internet service providers and tech companies like Google and Apple. They urge the international community to respond to this censorship behavior and highlight the dangers of Hong Kong’s national security law.