Hong Kong police have arrested three individuals for failing to stand and turning their backs during the Chinese national anthem at a World Cup qualifying match against Iran.
The authorities reported that two men and a woman were taken into custody for “not standing and turning their backs towards the pitch” during the anthem.
This act of defiance was a symbol of political dissent, as booing the anthem was a common practice among Hong Kong football fans until it was outlawed in 2020 as part of a broader crackdown on democracy protests.
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According to a statement, the police stressed that anyone who publicly and intentionally insults the national anthem in any way commits a crime.
The three individuals arrested for not standing during the Chinese national anthem at a football match in Hong Kong are between 18 and 31 years old.
If found guilty, they will face a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of HK$50,000 (approximately £5,000 or US$6,400).
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