Five individuals were arrested in Hong Kong on July 15, 2026, following police raids on two independent bookshops suspected of selling and displaying books deemed "seditious." Authorities stated that the publications incited "hatred" against the territory's government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies. The arrested group includes two men aged 37 and 57, and three women aged between 30 and 59, who are suspected of violating national security legislation by "acting with seditious intent."

The raids targeted the Have A Nice Stay bookshop, located in the densely packed Mong Kok area and founded in 2022 by former journalists. This shop stocked literature on democracy, authoritarianism, and media literacy. Reporters from AFP witnessed officers leading a woman in handcuffs from this shop into a van. The raid occurred a day after the shop announced it would close in August, citing financial difficulties and an "elusive 'red line'" regarding what material is considered problematic.

Local media also reported that the nearby Greenfield Book Store was targeted. This store stocks books from Hong Kong and Taiwan, covering various topics.

Authorities seized books from both shops, according to a government statement. There have been two other raids on bookshops in Hong Kong earlier in 2026.

Amnesty International commented on the raids, saying they reflect "the chilling reality of what the city has become: a place where you can be criminalised simply for what's on your bookshelf."

Hong Kong, once known for its freedom of publication, has seen political changes that have created a challenging environment for independent bookstores.

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