Hong Kong security chief warns booksellers on national security, police raid two bookstores

Published Jul 29, 08:00 AM UTC

Hong Kong Secretary of Security Chris Tang warned booksellers to ensure their books do not harm national security, comparing it to food safety. This followed police raids on two independent bookstores, Have A Nice Stay and Greenfield Book Store, where five people were arrested for allegedly selling materials that could stir hatred against the government, courts, and police. The arrests mark the third round in four months, raising concerns over shrinking freedom of speech and unclear rules on permissible books. Tang stated the government will not compile a banned books list, arguing that would 'let criminals off the hook.'