Hong Kong criminalizes 'insulting' China's national anthemJanuary 23, 2019 - 12:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The trumpet sounds, clear and exultant, and is greeted by a crescendo of boos. This was the scene at repeated Hong Kong football matches, as fans in the semi-autonomous Chinese city expressed their disdain at being represented by the national anthem of the People's Republic of China. Such disrespect of the "March of the Volunteers" will soon be illegal, as Hong Kong moves to adopt a hugely controversial national anthem law which critics say could undermine its constitutional protections for free speech. Lawmakers Wednesday, January 23 began discussing the legislation which sets standards for playing and singing "March," and makes it a crime punishable by up to three years in prison "to insult the national anthem," CNN says. Schoolchildren, including those at international schools, would also be legally required to learn the anthem, which opens with the line, "Arise, we who refuse to be slaves!" Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |