A banner calling for Hong Kong independence is held up by Hong Kong football fans as the national anthem is played before a match between Hong Kong and Malaysia on October 10. Some fans also booed and turned their backs to the pitch. Such behaviour may be offensive and disrespectful. But it is not a crime. Photo: Reuters
Why applying the national anthem law retroactively would undermine Hong Kong’s rule of law
Cliff Buddle says any such move is prohibited by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which applies to the city through the Basic Law. In a city that treasures the rule of law, no one should be punished for breaching a law before it has been passed
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Anti-mainland China sentiments
A banner calling for Hong Kong independence is held up by Hong Kong football fans as the national anthem is played before a match between Hong Kong and Malaysia on October 10. Some fans also booed and turned their backs to the pitch. Such behaviour may be offensive and disrespectful. But it is not a crime. Photo: Reuters