Post by : Shakul

Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested a bookstore owner and several staff members for allegedly selling publications deemed “seditious,” including a biography of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai.

According to local reports, the individuals detained include the owner of the independent bookstore Book Punch and three employees. They are accused of distributing copies of The Troublemaker, a biography written by Mark Clifford, which details Lai’s role in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.

Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted under national security laws for charges including collusion with foreign forces and sedition.

The arrests come amid tightening enforcement of Hong Kong’s security framework, including the locally enacted Article 23 legislation and the broader Hong Kong National Security Law imposed by Beijing. These laws grant authorities sweeping powers to act against activities considered a threat to state security.

Under the current legal provisions, sedition-related offenses can carry penalties of up to seven years in prison, or up to 10 years in cases involving alleged foreign links.

Officials have not released full details of the charges, but police stated they will act “according to the law” based on the circumstances. The bookstore was seen closed following the incident, with a notice citing an emergency.

The case has drawn criticism from rights groups, who argue that the crackdown reflects a broader restriction on freedom of expression in the city. Recent amendments to enforcement rules also allow authorities to demand access to electronic devices and passwords from suspects in national security cases.

The developments highlight the continued impact of security laws introduced after the 2019 protests, with increasing scrutiny on publications, media, and public discourse in the region.

#world news #Global News #Asia News #Newsible Asia