Gov’t refusal to release banned book list following independent bookstore arrests is ‘abuse of power,’ Christian NGO says

The Hong Kong government's decision not to release a list of banned books, following raids on independent bookstores and the arrest of their staff, has been criticized as an "abuse of power" by a conservative Christian NGO. The Society for Truth and Light's secretary general, Choi Chi-sum, stated that the "one country, two systems" constitutional framework guarantees freedom of speech, and individuals should not live in fear of expressing opinions or possessing publications not ruled illegal by courts.

Last month, authorities arrested staff at two independent bookshops, Have a Nice Stay and Greenfield Bookstore, on suspicion of committing sedition under Article 23 of Hong Kong's security law. The police reportedly searched the stores for materials that could incite hatred against the government, but no official list of banned books has been made public.

The government has stated that they will not release such a list, citing the need to rely on legal frameworks rather than the subjective views of individual officials. Both bookstores have since announced their closures, with Greenfield Bookstore set to close upon lease expiration and Have a Nice Stay closing a day before the raids.

The government maintains that its national security legislation does not target specific establishments, and individuals or companies found breaking the law will be arrested and prosecuted if there is sufficient evidence.