Hong Kong Police Raids Independent Bookstores Amid Crackdown on Literature

On July 16, 2026, Hong Kong’s national security police conducted raids on two bookstores, leading to the seizure of boxes of books and the arrest of five individuals suspected of sedition. These arrests included two men and three women accused of displaying items that the authorities claim had ‘seditious intention’ and distributing publications with content designed to incite hatred against the Hong Kong government, its judiciary, and police services.

This recent incident marks the third occasion in recent months where independent bookstore proprietors have been targeted amidst a broader clampdown on literature in the city. The government is enforcing a national security law from 2024 intended to suppress dissent. Under this law, having ‘seditious intention’ is an offense that could result in up to seven years of imprisonment.

While police have refrained from disclosing the names of the bookstores involved in the raids, local media sources identified them as Have A Nice Stay and Greenfield Bookstore, both small independent outlets located in Kowloon.

Have A Nice Stay was established by local journalists, some of whom were affiliated with Stand News, a digital publication that ceased in 2021 following a police raid. Earlier this week, Have A Nice Stay declared its intent to close by August 30 due to various reasons, among them financial strains and the prevailing ‘social climate.’ An Instagram notice from the bookstore expressed concerns about the deteriorating economic situation in Hong Kong, noting that continuing operations under the current circumstances is increasingly challenging.