Chinese national anthem will be punished
Hong Kong… News Time
Legislators in Hong Kong have started deliberations on a new ordinance that would punish people for insulting China’s national anthem. Hong Kong’s government proposed the draft ordinance to the Legislative Council this month. This comes after the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress last year voted to apply the nation’s anthem law in Hong Kong. The rule would prohibit any attempt to modify the lyrics of or jeer during the anthem in public places. Violators would face a fine of up to nearly 6,400 dollars and a 3-year prison term. During a debate by the council on Friday, pro-democracy legislators opposed the ordinance, expressing concern over the public’s basic rights and freedom. At pro soccer matches in Hong Kong, spectators often boo while the anthem is played before kickoff. Pro-democracy activists are concerned that enacting the ordinance could threaten Hong Kong’s autonomy within China.
