SocietyIs Hong Kong Entering an ‘Age of Banned Books’? The Fate of Disappearing Books and Independent Bookstores

Several independent bookstores in Hong Kong have been searched in recent years, while public libraries have removed batches of books dealing with political subjects. In July, police searched Tin Yuen Bookstore and Leave a Book House after a referral from customs, taking away boxes of books allegedly suspected of having seditious intent. Authorities said the operation involved books imported from overseas. The report reviews key publishing, bookstore and book-enforcement developments shaping Hong Kong’s changing publishing environment.