National security police arrest man over imported books
HK01 · 7 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong police’s National Security Department said it arrested a 34-year-old local man in Mong Kok on Thursday morning on suspicion of the offence of importing publications with a seditious intention under section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Police said the man, a director of a local company, allegedly imported seditious books in October for sale at a local bookstore and is being held for investigation after officers searched his home and company under a court warrant.
Key Points
- Police said the suspect was arrested in Mong Kok on November 5 and is accused of importing books intended to stir hatred, contempt or disaffection against the central and Hong Kong governments.
- Investigators said the 34-year-old is a director of a local company and allegedly brought the books into Hong Kong in October for sale through a local bookstore.
- Officers searched the man’s residence and company premises under a court warrant, seizing digital devices, documents and other allegedly seditious books.
- Several outlets, citing sources, said the arrested man is a member of the prisoner-support platform Hou Niao, which was founded by former district councillor Chu Kong-wai.
- Hou Niao said on November 2 that a shipment of Taiwan books due to arrive on October 13 had been delayed, with more than 60 books suspected to have been seized by customs.
Why It Matters
The case points to continued enforcement over imported printed materials as well as local retail distribution, with police publicly stressing that the offence carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment upon conviction. It also leaves open further scrutiny of the seized titles and of any related bookstore or platform operations, although police said they had no further details on the book list.