Hong Kong bookshops to close after security police raids

Two Hong Kong independent bookshops raided by national security police this month are closing or suspending operations, after police arrested five people on suspicion of displaying and selling items with “seditious intent”.

Greenfield Book Store, which opened in 1976, said it would close when its rental contract ends. The shop thanked customers on social media but did not give further details.

Have A Nice Stay, a bookstore run by former journalists, posted a sign outside its shop saying it would cease operation temporarily with immediate effect. The shop had already said before the raid that it would close in August, citing the social environment, its financial situation and “the elusive red line”.

Authorities have targeted bookshops over alleged seditious material under Hong Kong’s 2024 national security law, as well as broader legislation imposed by Beijing after democracy protests in 2019. After the raids, security chief Chris Tang said booksellers must ensure the items they sell “do not endanger national security”.