Hong Kong's TVB television station reported that police have detained Mr. Pong Yat-ming, owner of the Book Punch bookstore, along with three employees, on charges of distributing "seditious" publications, including the book "The Troublemaker," a biography of Jimmy Lai, the imprisoned media tycoon and pro-democracy activist. Currently, the Book Punch bookstore has posted a notice stating "temporarily closed due to emergency." A police spokesperson did not comment directly on the arrests but said only that the police "will act according to the actual circumstances and in accordance with the law."
This arrest follows the February conviction and 20-year prison sentence of Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, on charges of colluding with foreign forces and inciting unrest—a case considered the largest national security trial in Hong Kong.
Mark Clifford, author of the book and currently residing in New York, commented, "If this news is true, it is deeply sad and ironic that selling a book about a man imprisoned for practicing journalism and promoting freedom of expression is itself being charged as incitement."
Under the newly enforced national security law's Article 23, those convicted of incitement face up to seven years in prison, with sentences increasing to up to ten years if collusion with foreign forces is proven.
On Monday, 23 March, the Hong Kong government announced amendments to regulations granting customs officials the power to immediately seize items suspected of having "inciting intent." Additionally, police with a warrant can compel suspects to provide passwords to mobile phones or computers; refusal carries criminal penalties including imprisonment and fines.
Elena Pearson, Asia director of Human Rights Watch, stated, "Hong Kong is increasingly resembling a dystopian territory, beginning with the arrest of newspaper owners, then those selling books about them. The question is, who will be next?" She also warned that the authorities' relentless political security crackdown risks creating instability instead.
.
SourceThe Guardian