Hong Kong Bookstores Under Security Scrutiny | San Francisco News

Hong Kong’s top security official is warning booksellers to be cautious about what they sell, citing national security concerns — just days after five people linked to two bookstores were arrested. This marks the third crackdown in four months on independent bookshops, sparking fears over freedom of expression as critics call the laws vague. Security Secretary Chris Tang defends the move, likening it to food safety: you’re responsible for what you sell. Police raided “Have A Nice Stay” and “Greenfield Book Store,” accusing them of promoting hatred against the government. “Have A Nice Stay” had already shut down, citing financial strain and uncertainty over what’s deemed “problematic.” Past cases include the March arrest of “Book Punch” staff for selling seditious books — including a biography of Jimmy Lai — and June arrests for selling seditious materials and accepting foreign funds. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te voiced solidarity with Hong Kong’s bookstores, warning of growing pressure on freedoms, while some Taiwanese publishers now self-censor at Hong Kong book fairs. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/615b81526fc898f1