Hong Kong police raid independent bookstores under national security law

On 15 July 2026 Hong Kong police’s national‑security unit raided the independent bookstores “留下书舍” and “田园书屋”, seizing materials and detaining five staff members. The operation followed earlier searches of “猎人书店” and other outlets, bringing the total number of arrests to seven within a month.

Security Secretary Deng Bingqiang responded on 31 July, saying the national‑security law applies to any illegal activity and that the standards for prosecution are “very clear”. He denied that the raids target specific types of shops or threaten Hong Kong’s freedom and diversity, while refusing to publish the list of books deemed illegal, a move critics say creates a chilling effect on booksellers.

The raids have drawn international criticism, with human‑rights groups warning that the actions illustrate a shrinking space for free expression in the city.