Hong Kong ’s top security official said Thursday that booksellers should ensure the titles they sell do not harm national security, a day after five people linked to two bookstores
were arrested. The police operation on Wednesday was the third round of arrests
targeting independent bookstores within four months. Critics have raised concerns over the city’s freedom of expression under what they called an unclear red line. Two of the booksellers were seen released on bail on Friday morning.
On Thursday, Secretary for Security Chris Tang told reporters at the legislative building that the law is clear.
“If you are a bookseller, you have the responsibility to make sure the books you sell won’t endanger national security,” he said. “It’s equal to, for example, when you are selling food, you need to ensure the food won’t cause a stomach ache and is not either poison or illegal.”
