Authorities in Hong Kong conducted raids on two bookstores in the Mong Kok district, resulting in the arrest of five individuals accused of selling seditious publications. The arrests mark the latest measure targeting independent booksellers within the region.
Videos and images from various media outlets captured police officers removing boxes from Have A Nice Stay, a bookstore established by ex-journalists. Nearby, a similar operation unfolded involving the Greenfield Book Store.
The police confirmed the raids in Mong Kok, and in their statement, they detailed the arrest of two men and three women for allegedly violating the national security law introduced in 2024. This incident signifies the third wave of arrests concerning independent bookstores, following operations in March and June that many interpreted as dampening dissent.
Police indicated that investigations revealed the individuals involved had displayed and sold seditious content that fostered hostility against the government, judiciary, and law enforcement. Customs officials flagged the case after reportedly finding seditious books within a shipment to Hong Kong.
Both bookstores were closed during regular hours on the day of the raid. Attempts to reach Greenfield and the founder of Have A Nice Stay were unsuccessful. Have A Nice Stay had previously announced its intention to close on August 30, citing financial challenges and unclear legal boundaries.
Historically, Hong Kong boasted freedoms of publication and expression, attracting mainland Chinese residents seeking politically sensitive literature unavailable in their region. Lam Wing-kee, formerly of Causeway Bay Books, gained international attention after detailing his detainment by Chinese authorities in 2016.
Political climate shifts following protests in 2019 have compounded difficulties for independent bookstores. Authorities view national security laws as vital to Hong Kong’s stability. Security Secretary Chris Tang conveyed the impracticality of establishing a list of banned books.
In prior operations, police targeted Book Punch’s owner and staff over seditious publication sales, including books like the biography of Jimmy Lai. June’s arrests involved suspected sale of seditious materials and foreign political funding. All the individuals detained were subsequently released on bail.