Ad Blocker Detected
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.
On September 18, Hong Kong High Court judge Anderson Chow Ka-ming delayed a decision on whether to ban the protest anthem “Glory to Hong Kong” in schools, as part of a wider crackdown on anti-government activity. The ruling has been postponed until November 24, giving both sides time to submit further evidence and arguments.
“Glory to Hong Kong”, which was written in August 2019 during the height of the pro-democracy protests that swept the city, has become a rallying cry for Hong Kong’s youth. The song, which features lyrics such as “Hong Kong people, rise up and fight!”, has been performed at rallies and protests across the city, as well as at international events such as the Oscars.
The debate over the song centers around whether it promotes separatism or subversion of state power, two offenses that fall under Hong Kong’s national security law, which was implemented in June 2020. Critics of the law argue that it erodes Hong Kong’s autonomy and stifles freedom of expression.
In August 2020, the Hong Kong Education Bureau issued a directive to schools ordering them to remove any books or teaching materials that could be deemed “unpatriotic”. This included the requirement to sing the Chinese national anthem and to raise the national flag during assemblies. “Glory to Hong Kong” was also deemed unsuitable for schools, with officials claiming that it glorifies violence and promotes Hong Kong independence.
The ban has been met with widespread opposition from teachers, students, and pro-democracy activists, who argue that it is an attack on freedom of expression and an attempt to brainwash young people with pro-Beijing propaganda. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, has defended the government’s actions, stating that schools have a responsibility to promote “national education” and instill “a sense of belonging to the motherland”.
The decision to delay the ruling has been met with mixed reactions. Pro-democracy lawmakers and activists have welcomed the move, arguing that it provides a brief respite from the government’s incessant attacks on freedom of expression. Others have criticized the delay, claiming that it is further proof of the erosion of Hong Kong’s judicial independence.
The case highlights the complex and ever-changing political landscape in Hong Kong. Since the protests began in June 2019, the city has been gripped by political unrest, with thousands taking to the streets to demand greater democracy and autonomy from Beijing. The passing of the national security law in June 2020 further escalated tensions, with many fearing that it would be used as a tool to clamp down on dissent.
The banning of “Glory to Hong Kong” in schools is just one example of the government’s increasingly authoritarian tactics. It is part of a wider crackdown on dissent, which has seen pro-democracy activists arrested, media outlets targeted, and opposition lawmakers disqualified from office.
Despite these challenges, Hong Kong’s young people continue to resist. They are at the forefront of the fight for democracy, using their creativity and resourcefulness to find new ways to express themselves. “Glory to Hong Kong” is just one example of their resilience and determination to fight for their freedoms and their future.
In conclusion, the delay in the ruling on “Glory to Hong Kong” highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and democracy in Hong Kong. The ban is just one example of the government’s attempts to stifle dissent and promote mainland Chinese nationalism. While the postponement provides a brief reprieve, it is clear that the fight for Hong Kong’s future is far from over.
