Hong Kong police raid bookstore, arrest ex-councillor for alleged sedition

Hong Kong national security police arrested a former pro-democracy district councillor and raided her bookstore on suspicion of sedition. Leticia Wong, a 33-year-old former Civic Party district councillor, and a 32-year-old man were detained on Wednesday.

Police stated the pair allegedly sold seditious titles that incited hatred towards Hong Kong authorities, the judiciary, and law enforcement. They are also accused of receiving multiple remittances from foreign political organizations. The arrests and raid are linked to violations of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, known as Article 23.

The Hunter Bookstore, run by Wong in Sham Shui Po, was searched, and officers seized items and books deemed seditious. This incident follows a pattern of scrutiny for the bookstore, which faced numerous government inspections and audits last year. Sedition charges carry a maximum of seven years in jail, potentially rising to 10 years if collusion with a foreign force is proven.

In March, another independent bookseller and staff were arrested on similar charges for selling seditious titles, including a biography of media mogul Jimmy Lai. The case raises concerns about press freedom in Hong Kong.