Chinese Social Media Star Detained for Insulting National Anthem

On October 15, Yang Kaili, a Chinese live-streamer, was jailed for five days as she insulted the Chinese national anthem. The 20-year-old online personality was arrested after she appeared in a live-streamed video, where she flailed her hands around to attempt to mimic a conductor while singing the national anthem.

According to the Shanghai Police Department, Kaili violated China’s National Anthem Law – “where all citizens must not disrespect the national anthem by misrepresenting it, modify the lyrics and/or distort the music.” Even though Kaili publicly apologized for her “foolish behavior”, the live-streaming platform, Huya, removed her video and permanently banned her from using the platform again.