Evan Lee Salim
Three staff members of independent bookstores, who were arrested on suspicion of committing a sedition offence on Wednesday, have been released on bail, according to local media reports. The individuals, all affiliated with the bookstore "Have a Nice Stay," were detained by national security police as part of raids on two independent bookshops. The arrests have amplified concerns about freedom of expression and the press in Hong Kong, particularly within the literary and publishing sectors.
The release of the three booksellers on Friday morning marks a significant development in a case that has drawn international attention. Sum Wan-wah, a co-founder of Have a Nice Stay, was observed leaving the North Point police station. His attire, a T-shirt emblazoned with a quote from the renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun – "the earth has no roads to begin with, but when many people walk, a road is made" – has been interpreted by some as a symbolic statement of resilience and collective action in the face of adversity. The quote, often invoked in contexts of social progress and the creation of new paths, resonated deeply within the literary community.
Another staff member from Have a Nice Stay, identified as Mandy, was seen departing the Cheung Sha Wan police station. Video footage captured her exit, showing her being escorted by plainclothes officers while photographers documented the scene. Local media also reported the release of a third co-founder who had been held at a police station in Hung Hom.
These three individuals were among a total of five people apprehended by the national security police on Wednesday. The raids targeted not only Have a Nice Stay but also Greenfield Bookstore, another independent establishment located in Mong Kok. The authorities stated that the arrests were made on suspicion of "doing with a seditious intention an act or acts that had a seditious intention," an offense defined under Article 23 of the city’s homegrown security law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The arrested individuals comprised two males, aged 37 and 57, and three females, with ages ranging from 30 to 59. As of the latest reports, it remains unclear whether the two individuals from Greenfield Bookstore have also been released or remain in custody.
Context of the Arrests and Bookstore Closures
The arrests at Have a Nice Stay and Greenfield Bookstore come at a particularly sensitive time for independent bookstores in Hong Kong. Just one day prior to the police action, Have a Nice Stay had publicly announced its impending closure in August. In a poignant statement, the bookstore cited the prevailing "red lines" and mounting financial difficulties as the primary reasons for its decision to cease operations. Founded in 2022 by former journalists, Have a Nice Stay had aspired to cultivate a community for book lovers and champion the principles of journalism. Its closure signifies a loss for those seeking alternative literary spaces and platforms for diverse perspectives.
The events of Wednesday represent an escalation of a trend that has seen increased scrutiny and legal action against independent bookshops in Hong Kong. Earlier in the year, national security police had arrested Pong Yat-ming, the owner of Book Punch, along with three of his staff members in March. Their apprehension was also on suspicion of selling seditious titles, with reports indicating that a biography of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai was among the seized items. Lai, a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, has been a central figure in several national security cases.
In June, another independent bookstore owner, Letitia Wong of Hunter Bookstore, was arrested. She was accused of allegedly displaying and selling "seditious" titles and of "receiving multiple remittances from foreign political organisations." Her husband was also apprehended on suspicion of committing similar offenses. These incidents collectively paint a picture of a tightening environment for businesses perceived to be engaging in activities that could be construed as challenging national security.
Official Justifications and International Condemnation
Hong Kong’s security chief, Chris Tang, addressed the media on Thursday following the arrests, asserting that booksellers bear the responsibility of ensuring that the titles they offer do not threaten national security. Tang emphasized that "the law is clear" and declined to provide a list of banned books, arguing that individuals could circumvent such a list by altering the wording of titles. This stance has been met with criticism from press freedom advocates who argue that the lack of clear guidelines creates an environment of fear and self-censorship.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a US-based non-governmental organization, issued a statement calling for the release of the booksellers. Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia-Pacific Director, condemned the actions, stating, "Using national security legislation to go after another bookstore run by journalists is an attack on press freedom and independent publishing in the city." The CPJ’s statement underscores the perception that the crackdown on bookstores is intrinsically linked to broader efforts to curtail press freedom and dissent.
Details of the Raids and Seized Materials
During the raids on Wednesday, police stated that their investigation uncovered items on display and for sale at both Have a Nice Stay and Greenfield Bookstore that were deemed to possess seditious intent. According to a government statement, the contents of these materials were alleged to incite hatred against the Hong Kong government, the Judiciary, and law enforcement bodies.
Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) reporters witnessed police officers outside Have a Nice Stay on Wednesday, loading materials onto a truck. The seized items reportedly included ten plastic boxes, one cardboard box, a suitcase, and a black plastic bag, all believed to have been removed from the bookstore. Concurrently, local media reported that police conducted an operation at Greenfield Bookstore in Mong Kok. While HKFP observed no police presence at Greenfield Bookstore in the evening, the establishment was closed, even though it was within its usual operating hours.
The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, enacted in March 2020, has significantly expanded the government’s powers to address acts deemed to threaten national security. Under this ordinance, the maximum sentence for committing an act with seditious intention is up to seven years imprisonment. This penalty can escalate to ten years behind bars if the offense is found to have been committed in collusion with an "external force." The broad interpretation and application of these provisions have become a focal point of concern for civil liberties groups and international observers.
Broader Implications for Hong Kong’s Cultural Landscape
The recent wave of arrests and raids targeting independent bookstores signals a significant shift in Hong Kong’s once-vibrant cultural and intellectual landscape. These establishments have historically served as vital spaces for the dissemination of diverse ideas, fostering dialogue and critical thinking. The current climate, characterized by increased legal pressure and the enforcement of national security laws, appears to be creating an environment where such spaces are increasingly precarious.
The closure of Have a Nice Stay, a bookstore founded by former journalists, further underscores the challenges faced by those in media-related fields. The intertwining of journalism, publishing, and bookselling in Hong Kong has deep historical roots, and the pressure on one sector inevitably impacts the others. The bookstore’s stated reason for closure – "red lines" and financial struggles – suggests a challenging operating environment where self-censorship may be becoming a necessity for survival, even before explicit legal action is taken.
The events also raise questions about the definition of "seditious intent" and the potential for its broad application. While authorities maintain that the law is clear and aimed at protecting national security, critics argue that the vagueness of the term allows for subjective interpretation, potentially stifling legitimate expression and academic inquiry. The refusal to provide a list of banned titles, as articulated by Security Chief Chris Tang, further contributes to this ambiguity, leaving business owners in a state of uncertainty about what content might be deemed problematic.
The international community, including organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists, has voiced its concerns, framing these actions as an erosion of press freedom and freedom of expression. The ongoing legal proceedings and the impact on independent businesses will continue to be closely watched as indicators of Hong Kong’s commitment to its status as a global hub for free thought and exchange. The future of independent bookstores and the broader literary ecosystem in Hong Kong remains a critical issue, with implications extending far beyond the shelves of these establishments to the very essence of the city’s identity.
Neng Nana
Jia Lissa
