Hong Kong police arrested five people after carrying out raids at two independent bookshops accused of selling and displaying books that authorities described as “seditious.” Officers also seized several publications during the operation as part of an investigation under the city’s national security laws.
The suspects include two men, aged 37 and 57, along with three women between 30 and 59 years old. Police said they are under investigation for allegedly acting with seditious intent. If found guilty, they could face prison sentences of up to seven years.
Police Seize Books During Raids
Authorities did not officially identify the bookstores involved. However, local reports said one of the targeted businesses was Have A Nice Stay, an independent bookstore in the Mong Kok district. Witnesses saw police officers escorting a woman from the shop in handcuffs before placing her into a police vehicle.
The bookstore opened in 2022 and was established by former journalists. It offered books covering democracy, authoritarianism, media literacy, and other social issues.
A day before the raid, the shop announced it would close in August. The owners cited financial difficulties and uncertainty over what they described as an unclear “red line” regarding acceptable reading materials.
Another Independent Store Also Targeted
Reports also indicated that Greenfield Book Store was searched during the police operation. The shop specializes in books from Hong Kong and Taiwan, offering titles related to literature, history, philosophy, sociology, art, and personal development.
Neither bookstore is participating in this year’s Hong Kong Book Fair, which opened on Wednesday.
Series of Bookshop Investigations Continues
The latest operation follows similar actions taken earlier this year. In March, police arrested four people connected to Book Punch. Another two workers from Hunter bookstore were detained in June.
These cases reflect the continued enforcement of Hong Kong’s national security legislation against businesses involved in publishing and distributing books that authorities believe threaten national security.
Rights Groups Express Concern
Human rights organization Amnesty International criticized the latest arrests, saying they highlight growing pressure on booksellers, writers, and publishers in Hong Kong.
The organization said uncertainty over what books could violate national security laws has created fear within the publishing industry. According to Amnesty, many booksellers now worry that certain titles could lead to investigations, arrests, or business closures. Rights advocates also argue that the situation encourages self censorship as publishers become more cautious about the material they offer.
The latest raids have once again raised international attention over freedom of expression in Hong Kong, while authorities continue to defend the enforcement of national security laws as necessary for maintaining public order.
