Once a readily available soundtrack to pro-democracy demonstrations, the Hong Kong protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong" has become increasingly difficult to find online. Major music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, along with social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, no longer host the tune. This follows the Hong Kong government's pursuit of a court injunction to prohibit "unlawful acts" associated with the song, encompassing its lyrics, melody, and any derivative works.
The song gained prominence during the 2019 pro-democracy protests, becoming an unofficial anthem for the movement. The government's 2020 ban on the protest slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times," due to its perceived secessionist and subversive undertones, effectively cast a shadow over the song as well, given its lyrical inclusion of parts of the slogan.
While the song's creators, DGX Music, cited "technical issues" and apologized for the song's "temporary" unavailability on streaming platforms, the precise reason for its removal remains unclear. It's unknown whether the platforms acted independently or at the behest of the creators or authorities. Notably, versions of the song, including the original, can still be found on video-streaming platforms like YouTube.
This development comes amidst increasing scrutiny of Hong Kong by Beijing following the 2019 unrest. The city's political landscape has been significantly reshaped, with an emphasis on ensuring only those loyal to Beijing hold office. The national security law enacted in 2020, criticized for suppressing dissent, has led to numerous arrests. The government's move to ban "Glory to Hong Kong" follows incidents where it was mistakenly played instead of China's national anthem at international sporting events.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has publicly stated the song is "not compatible with national interest," emphasizing the need to proactively safeguard national security. A court hearing regarding the injunction is scheduled for July 21st.
The disappearance of "Glory to Hong Kong" from major platforms marks another chapter in the ongoing narrative of evolving freedoms and tensions within the region.
