5 nabbed in raid of Hong Kong stores selling 'seditious' books

International

HONG Kong police arrested five individuals after conducting raids on two independent bookstores accused of selling and displaying publications allegedly considered “seditious".

Authorities said the books contained content that allegedly promoted hatred against the Hong Kong government, the judiciary, and law enforcement agencies, according to a report by BBC News.

The five suspects are being investigated under the city’s national security law for allegedly acting with seditious intent. Convictions under the offense may carry a prison sentence of up to seven years.

Authorities did not disclose the names of the establishments involved. However, BBC News reported that officers were seen taking a woman into custody outside the Have A Nice Stay bookstore in Mong Kok.

The shop, founded by former journalists in 2022, is known for carrying titles on democracy, media literacy, and authoritarianism. It had recently announced plans to cease operations next month, citing financial challenges and uncertainty over what publications may violate existing regulations.

Another independent bookstore, Greenfield Book Store, was also reportedly searched during the operation. Local media said the store offers books from Hong Kong and Taiwan covering literature, philosophy, history, art, and other subjects.

The latest raids add to a series of police operations targeting bookstores in Hong Kong this year.

Amnesty International condemned the arrests, saying the crackdown has created uncertainty among booksellers and writers over which publications could result in investigation or criminal charges.(Rythrishia Almacin Llagas, UP Cebu Comm Intern)