Recently, a Hong Kong protest anthem called “Glory to Hong Kong” was removed from streaming platforms by a UK digital music distributor following a court injunction in the Chinese territory. The group of musicians behind the song, known as DGX Music, expressed their opposition to the removal, pointing out that the injunction did not have extraterritorial jurisdiction and that the song itself was not banned by the injunction. However, the distributor, EmuBands, still decided to take down the song from all platforms, including iTunes and Apple Music.
Political and Legal Implications
The song “Glory to Hong Kong” was written in 2019 during the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and became an unofficial anthem for the movement. The Hong Kong Court of Appeal recently granted an application by the government to outlaw the song, citing concerns about its potential use by dissidents against the state. This decision overturned a lower court judgment that had rejected the ban due to concerns about its impact on free speech.
The removal of “Glory to Hong Kong” from streaming platforms has sparked criticism from the international community. The U.S. government has expressed concern that the ban will further damage Hong Kong’s reputation as a financial hub. On the other hand, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman defended the ban, stating that it was necessary to safeguard national security.
Despite the court ruling, legal experts have pointed out that the injunction has no extraterritorial effect and that the song can still be shared and accessed outside of Hong Kong. Eric Lai, a fellow at the Center for Asian Law at Georgetown University, emphasized that the ruling did not impose a blanket ban on the song and allowed exemptions for journalistic and academic activities. He also noted that a complete removal of the song from streaming platforms would not help enforce these exemptions.
The removal of “Glory to Hong Kong” from streaming platforms highlights the complex legal and political dynamics at play in Hong Kong. While the song has been banned within the territory, its impact and reach continue to resonate both domestically and internationally. The ongoing legal battle over the anthem raises questions about freedom of expression, national security, and the role of music in political movements.