Access Blocked to Symbolic Song of Hong Kong Democratization Movement
YouTube has decided to block access to videos of the song "Glory to Hong Kong," which symbolizes the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, following a decision by a Hong Kong court, major foreign media reported on the 14th (local time).
This song is an anonymous piece frequently sung by protesters during the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement in August 2019. The lyrics include representative protest slogans such as "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times," expressing support for Hong Kong independence.
YouTube stated in a press release, "We are disappointed by the court's decision but will comply with the removal order." Accordingly, access to 32 videos classified as prohibited content on YouTube in Hong Kong will be restricted, and these videos will no longer appear in Google search results.
The Hong Kong Department of Justice requested the Hong Kong court last year to ban the performance and reproduction of "Glory to Hong Kong," and the Hong Kong court recently accepted this request in an appellate ruling.
Earlier, the U.S. Department of State expressed serious concern over the Hong Kong court's ban on the song symbolizing anti-government protests, stating, "We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing erosion of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong, including freedom of expression," and added, "This decision to ban the song is the latest blow to the international reputation of a city (Hong Kong) that once prided itself on having an independent judiciary protecting the free exchange of information, ideas, and goods."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
