Hong Kong independent bookshops face raids and closures

Independent bookshops in Hong Kong, which gained popularity following the 2019 pro-democracy protests, are facing increasing pressure and closures due to heightened control from Beijing.

In late June, police raided Hunter Bookstore in the Sham Shui Po district. The owner, Letitia Wong, and a 32-year-old man were arrested on charges of sedition and money laundering, though they have since been released on bail and deny the allegations. The shop was known for stocking sensitive materials, including accounts of pro-democracy campaigners and allegories regarding authoritarianism.

This follows similar actions against other retailers, such as the arrest of the owner and employees of Book Punch in March. Authorities reportedly seized books related to jailed democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai. While Beijing maintains that the National Security Law is necessary for stability, rights groups argue the legislation has significantly curtailed free speech in the city.