Hong Kong court rejects government-requested ban on protest song ‘Glory to Hong Kong’

A Hong Kong court rejected a government-requested ban on broadcasting or distributing the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong,” in a landmark decision that rejected a challenge to freedom of expression in the city.

Critics had said a ban would have a far-reaching impact on the city’s freedoms of expression and information, which have become increasingly threadbare under Beijing’s crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy movement. But some analysts cautioned the court’s refusal to grant the order would not mean foreign tech giants could let down their guard from now on, saying political challenges surrounding their operations in the financial hub still linger.

“I am unable to see a solid basis for believing that the invocation of the civil jurisdiction can assist in the enforcement of the law in question,” Chan said in the ruling. Google told the government to present a court order proving the song violated local laws before it could be removed, according to Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong. The government, therefore, decided to deal with the matter by legal means, he said in an interview with a local broadcaster.Friday’s ruling will not mean the end of the controversy for tech giants, said George Chen, former head of public policy for Greater China at Meta.

He said the city is now a “highly political place” and many lawmakers were surprised by the ruling, predicting that the political pressure on content removal on tech platforms will remain.Eric Lai, visiting researcher of King’s College London’s School of Law, said that the government was trying to abuse the legal system by using a civil injunction to tackle a political matter when it sought the court order.

Chief Executive John Lee said at a media briefing he has already requested the department of justice to study the judgement and possible follow-up work.

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Hong Kong court rejects government-requested ban on protest song 'Glory to Hong Kong'A Hong Kong court rejected a government-requested ban on broadcasting or distributing the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong,' in a landmark decision that rejected a challenge to freedom of expression in the city.
Source: CP24 - 🏆 30. / 67 Read more »

Hong Kong court rejects government-requested ban on protest song 'Glory to Hong Kong'A Hong Kong court rejected a government-requested ban on broadcasting or distributing the protest song 'Glory to Hong Kong,' in a landmark decision that rejected a challenge to freedom of expression in the city.
Source: CTVCalgary - 🏆 26. / 68 Read more »