Hong Kong police raided two independent bookstores and arrested five suspects for selling and displaying books perceived to incite hatred toward the government, courts, and police. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison.
On 16 July 2026, Hong Kong police arrested five suspects after searching two independent bookstores on charges of selling and displaying books considered intentionally inciting, which is an offense under the national security law. Authorities said the seized books contained content encouraging hatred against the Hong Kong government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies, and confiscated several books as evidence.
Reports indicate the arrested individuals include two men, aged 37 and 57, and three women aged between 30 and 59. All are currently detained for questioning and, if found guilty by the court, could face up to seven years in prison. Police did not disclose the names of the bookstores searched.
Local media reported the raids took place just one day after the bookstores announced plans to close in August, citing financial problems and unclear legal boundaries defining which types of books might be illegal. This was the third bookstore raid in 2026, following the arrest of Hunter bookstore staff in June and the detention of four individuals connected to Book Punch in March.
Amnesty International commented that these arrests reflect a climate of fear in Hong Kong, where people may be prosecuted simply for the books displayed on shelves. They noted the unclear legal boundaries have led many booksellers and writers to self-censor to avoid legal risks.
Source: BBC