Hong Kong's top security official stated Thursday that booksellers must ensure the titles they offer do not jeopardize national security, following the arrest of five individuals linked to two bookstores.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang informed reporters that the law is clear, comparing a bookseller's responsibility to that of a food vendor ensuring their products are safe. "If you are a bookseller, you have the responsibility to make sure the books you sell won't endanger national security," Tang said. He added that this is "equal to, for example, when you are selling food, you need to ensure the food won't cause a stomach ache and is not either poison or illegal."
Tang stated that creating a list of banned books would not be conducive to effective law enforcement aimed at titles that "intend to harm the country." He assured that "criminals" would not be let off the hook.
The arrests occurred Wednesday, with police raiding "Have A Nice Stay," a bookstore founded by former journalists, and the established "Greenfield Book Store." Police reported that the five arrested individuals are suspected of displaying and selling seditious materials. According to a police statement, the content allegedly incited hatred against the city's government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies.
"Have A Nice Stay" had previously announced its closure for August 30, citing financial difficulties and an "elusive red line" as contributing factors. The bookstore stated it lacked the capacity to vet every book and determine which were "problematic."
This is the third series of arrests targeting independent bookstores in Hong Kong within four months. In March, police arrested the owner and staff of "Book Punch" store, reportedly on suspicion of selling seditious publications, including a biography of Jimmy Lai, a former pro-democracy media tycoon currently serving a 20-year sentence in his national security case. In June, two booksellers were arrested on suspicion of selling seditious publications and receiving funds from foreign political organizations.
In Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te commented on Facebook that Hong Kong's freedom of expression and publication is under pressure, emphasizing that "every independent bookstore is vital in guarding free thought." Liang Wen-chieh, deputy minister of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, noted that some Taiwanese publishers have self-censored their offerings for Hong Kong book fairs.