A demonstrator holds up a cellphone light during a rally organized by Hong Kong Mothers in support of extradition protesters in Hong Kong, July 5, 2019.Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images Hide caption
Toggle caption Hector Retamal/AFP (via Getty Images)
Demonstrators hold up cellphone lights during a rally organized by Hong Kong Mothers in support of extradition protesters in Hong Kong, July 5, 2019.
Hector Retamal/AFP (via Getty Images)
That is “Glory to Hong Kong.” Singing, listening to this song, or even quoting the lyrics in conversation could quickly land a Hong Kong person in jail. Even if it's for a lifetime.
The lyrics of “Glory to Hong Kong” are: “Now is the dawn and liberate our Hong Kong/May the people rule proudly and freely, now and forever/Glory to you, Hong Kong!” ” is declared.
Of course, Hong Kong was returned to China from British rule in 1997. “Glory to Hong Kong” was written during the 2019 Hong Kong protests by a pop-rock musician who wanted to be known only as “Thomas DGX YHL.” He told Hong Kong website The Stand News that when composing the song, he drew inspiration from national anthems such as “God Save the King” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
By the way, Stand News was shut down a year after the interview was published.
This week, Hong Kong Court of Appeal Judge Jeremy Poon ruled that “Glory to Hong Kong” may not be performed, broadcast or reproduced.
“It is legitimate and necessary for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to prevent the use and distribution of related songs for the purpose of inciting secession and insulting the national anthem,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
But Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International's China director, said: “Singing protest songs should not be a crime. It is a fundamental violation of international human rights.”
“Glory to Hong Kong” is already banned in Hong Kong schools. In 2022, a man was arrested in front of the British Consulate in the city for playing this song on a harmonica after Queen Elizabeth's death.
The court also suggested that internet companies may “cease promoting conduct that occurs on their platforms.”
So far, internet companies have not removed “Glory to Hong Kong” from their platforms. Do you think they are at risk of losing the right to do business there following this week's court ruling?
However, some may wonder if trying to prevent “Glory to Hong Kong” from being sung or heard will only make the song more appealing and powerful.
People who are prohibited from gathering to sing the song in public may rush to whisper the lyrics to each other behind their hands. They may say to each other, in quiet, urgent voices, “Our voices grow louder and louder: / May glory reign in Hong Kong!”
