Explainer: Hong Kong’s national security crackdown – month 73

Hong Kong's cultural sector has become the latest focus of the city's national security crackdown, with two independent bookstores raided and their staff arrested on suspicion of sedition. The operations, which occurred on July 15, targeted Have a Nice Stay and Greenfield Bookstore, the latter having a 50-year history.

National security police arrested five individuals in connection with the raids. A government statement indicated the suspects were involved in acts with seditious intent, an offense under the city's homegrown security law. The investigation alleged that the bookstores displayed and sold items intended to incite hatred towards the Hong Kong government, judiciary, and law enforcement bodies.

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doing with a seditious intention an act or acts that had a seditious intention

State-backed media reported that Hong Kong Customs had previously identified books with seditious intent among imported goods. The bookstore raids were a joint operation between Customs and the Police Force. Security minister Chris Tang defended the actions, stating the law is clear, but declined to provide a list of problematic books, urging booksellers to take responsibility for ensuring their inventory is lawful.

The crackdown has had a chilling effect on the city's literary scene. Greenfield Bookstore, operating since 1976, announced it would close after its lease expires, thanking patrons for their support over five decades. This follows an announcement by Have a Nice Stay that it would shut down in a month due to financial difficulties and "unclear red lines." Elmbook, another independent bookstore, also announced its closure a week prior, after reportedly being banned, along with Luck Win Bookshop, from participating in the annual Hong Kong Book Fair.

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Thank you for walking with us, through wind and rain, for 50 years since our opening.