Hong Kong Bookstore Staff Released on Bail Amid “Seditious Books” Investigation
The founder and three staff members of a Hong Kong independent bookstore, Book Punch, have been released on bail following their arrest by national security police. The arrests were reportedly over the alleged sale of “seditious books.”
Book Punch announced on Facebook that Pong Yat-ming, the store’s manager, along with two part-time staff members, were granted bail on Wednesday night. They had been detained on Tuesday on suspicion of selling seditious titles from their bookstore located in Sham Shui Po. Reports indicate that a biography of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai was among the seized publications.
The individuals are suspected of “knowingly selling a publication that has a seditious intention,” a serious offense under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, commonly referred to as Article 23.
Bookstore Operations Temporarily Halted
In a subsequent Facebook post on Thursday, Book Punch stated that the bookstore would need to close for a period. This temporary closure is necessary as the arrested staff members will require new mobile phones and computers following their release.
The post, written in Chinese, also indicated that scheduled activities would be postponed and rescheduled. The bookstore expressed its anticipation of welcoming customers back soon.
Pong Yat-ming confirmed his release on bail and that of his staff members in a statement to local media. He stated that he was unable to comment on the ongoing case.
Penalties for Seditious Material Offenses
The offense of selling seditious materials carries significant legal consequences. Conviction can lead to a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment. This sentence can be extended to 10 years if the offender is found to have collaborated with an external force.
Local media reports suggest that the books confiscated by the police during their raid on Tuesday included:
- The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kong’s Greatest Dissident, and China’s Most Feared Critic. This title was authored by Mark Clifford, who previously served as a director for Jimmy Lai’s media conglomerate, Next Digital.
When approached for comment, a police spokesperson stated that the force “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law.”
International Scrutiny and Concerns for Freedom of Expression
Human rights organization Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas raised questions regarding the situation. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the NGO pondered whether Jimmy Lai had become a “sensitive word” in Hong Kong.
The post further emphasized, “Jimmy Lai is an Amnesty International prisoner of conscience. Defending freedom of expression is not a crime; release all #PrisonersOfConscience immediately!”
Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in February. His conviction was based on charges of foreign collusion and sedition.
Book Punch’s History and Previous Legal Issues
Pong Yat-ming established Book Punch in 2020. The bookstore faced legal challenges last year, being charged on suspicion of operating “an unregistered school.” This charge was related to a Spanish language course offered by the establishment.
The bookstore owner, Pong, pleaded not guilty to these charges in January. During the trial earlier this month, Pong testified that a former education official had previously indicated that no registration was necessary for conducting interest-based classes.
