Hong Kong Security Chief Warns Booksellers on National Security Compliance
Hong Kong's Secretary for Security Chris Tang has issued a warning to booksellers, stating they must ensure that the titles they offer do not jeopardize national security. This announcement came shortly after the police arrested five individuals associated with two independent bookstores, marking the third round of such arrests within a four-month period. Critics have voiced concerns regarding the potential erosion of freedom of expression in Hong Kong, citing an unclear boundary regarding what constitutes a threat to national security.
Tang clarified that the law is straightforward, likening the responsibility of booksellers to that of food sellers, who must ensure their products are safe for consumption. He dismissed the idea of creating a list of banned books, arguing that it would not aid law enforcement in targeting materials that could harm the country.
The police operation on Wednesday involved raids on Have A Nice Stay, a bookstore established by former journalists, and the long-standing Greenfield Book Store. Authorities alleged that the arrested individuals were involved in displaying and selling seditious materials that incited hatred against the government and law enforcement.
Have A Nice Stay announced plans to close by August 30, citing financial difficulties and the challenges of navigating the ambiguous legal landscape regarding book sales. The store expressed concerns about its inability to evaluate every book for potential issues.
Earlier this year, police also detained the owner and staff of the independent Book Punch store, reportedly for selling seditious publications, including a biography of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence related to national security violations. In June, two other booksellers were arrested under similar suspicions, further highlighting the crackdown on independent bookstores in the region.
In response to these developments, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te remarked on social media about the pressures faced by Hong Kong's freedom of expression and publication. He emphasized the importance of independent bookstores in safeguarding free thought. Liang Wen-chieh, deputy minister of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, noted that some Taiwanese publishers have begun to self-censor their book lists when participating in Hong Kong book fairs, reflecting the growing concerns over censorship in the region.
