Hong Kong: Four Bookstores Searched over National Security Law Violations

(Central News Agency reporter Chang Chien, Hong Kong, 16th) Yesterday, two bookstores in Hong Kong were searched by police on suspicion of violating national security-related laws. Including two stores searched earlier this year, a total of four local bookstores have now been investigated on similar charges in 2023.

Personnel from the police National Security Department simultaneously raided 'Stay Bookshop' in Mong Kok and 'Field Bookstore' yesterday. The latter has been in operation since 1976 and specializes in literature, history, and philosophy books from Hong Kong and Taiwan, making it one of the more well-known independent bookstores in Hong Kong.

Independent bookstores generally refer to shops operated by individuals or small collectives, not affiliated with large bookstore chains.

According to multiple media reports, police removed multiple boxes of materials during yesterday's raids and arrested a total of five people.

The operation reportedly involved books received from overseas that were considered to have 'seditious intent,' including inciting hatred toward the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies. Among the implicated publications is 'When Only Red Flowers Bloom: Identity and Belonging in the Xi Jinping Era,' published by a Taiwanese publisher.

In March, local bookstore 'Fist Books' was also raided for selling 'The Biography of Jimmy Lai,' suspected of violating national security-related sedition laws. Its manager Pang Yat-ming and staff were arrested by national security officers.

'The Biography of Jimmy Lai' was written by Chris Tang, former director of Next Media. The book is accused of 'unfoundedly glorifying Jimmy Lai’s collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security,' 'attacking' Hong Kong judicial personnel, 'defaming' the government’s detention arrangements for Lai, and 'deliberately smearing' both Hong Kong and mainland China to 'infiltrate and incite' Hong Kong citizens.

Last month, another independent bookstore, 'Hunter Books,' was searched on suspicion of violating national security laws, and its operator was arrested.

Police later accused the bookstore of displaying 'items with seditious intent' and selling 'publications with seditious intent,' including content that incites hatred toward the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies.

Police also claimed the bookstore operator was suspected of 'receiving multiple financial transfers from foreign political organizations.' (Editor: Chou Hui-ying) 1150716

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