Hong Kong police arrested five people and raided two independent bookshops in Mong Kok on Tuesday, accusing them of selling and displaying seditious publications allegedly shipped from overseas. Customs officials referred the case after discovering seditious books in an overseas shipment, authorities said.
The two men and three women, aged 30 to 59, are suspected of breaching national security legislation. Authorities said the publications incited hatred against Hong Kong's government, judiciary and law enforcement agencies. If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison.
Officers searched Have A Nice Stay and Greenfield Book Store. Have A Nice Stay, founded by former journalists in 2022, announced on Monday it would close on August 30, citing financial difficulties and an elusive "red line." The operation marks the third raid on an independent bookshop this year, following actions in March and June.