Three individuals connected to the independent bookstore “Lau Za Shu She” (留下書舍) were released on bail Friday, July 17, after being detained by police for two days. The bookstore, which had announced its upcoming closure on August 30, was searched by the National Security Department on July 15. A total of five people—three from “Lau Za Shu She” and two from the nearby “Tin Yuen Book Co.” (田園書屋)—were arrested on suspicion of breaching Article 23 laws regarding the display and sale of seditious materials.
National Security Investigation and Bookstore Closures
The arrests followed a referral from the Customs and Excise Department to the National Security Department. Authorities reported discovering books with “seditious intent” within a shipment sent to Hong Kong from overseas. Following an investigation, police searched two bookstores in Mong Kok on July 15, leading to the arrest of two men and three women. The detainees were held for two days before being granted bail on July 17.
Before the raid, the team at “Lau Za Shu She,” founded in 2022 by former journalists, had already publicly stated their intention to close the shop by August 30. In a social media post, the bookstore cited an accumulation of challenges, including an uncertain social and business environment, financial pressures, and the difficulty of navigating what they described as “elusive red lines.” The team noted that the Secretary for Security had previously stated the government would not provide a list of prohibited books, leaving the bookstore staff unable to determine which titles might be considered problematic.
Did You Know?
The bookstore “Lau Za Shu She” was founded in 2022 by a group of former journalists who aimed to use books as a means to “convey knowledge from all sources.”
Precedents in Independent Bookstore Searches
This incident follows a series of similar actions targeting independent bookstores in Hong Kong. In June 2026, the “Hunter Bookstore” (獵人書店) was searched by national security police. The owners, including former Civic Party member Wong Man-suen, were detained for two days before being released on bail. Official reports indicated the investigation involved allegations of new sedition laws and money laundering. The shop later resumed operations after a brief closure.
Additionally, in March 2026, authorities searched “Bleak House Books” (一拳書館). Owner Pang Yat-ming and three staff members were arrested on suspicion of violating Article 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Like the other cases, the individuals were released on bail, and the bookstore eventually reopened after a temporary suspension of business.
Potential Developments
For the bookstores involved, the future remains uncertain. While some shops, such as “Hunter Bookstore” and “Bleak House Books,” managed to reopen following their respective investigations, “Lau Za Shu She” has already committed to a permanent closure by the end of August.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the bookstore staff members arrested?
Police stated the arrests were made under Article 23 legislation, alleging the individuals were involved in the display and sale of materials with “seditious intent” following a referral from the Customs and Excise Department.
Is “Lau Za Shu She” still operating?
The bookstore had already announced its intention to close on August 30 prior to the police search. Staff members did not provide updates on the shop’s future status upon their release.
How many people were arrested in this operation?
A total of five people were arrested across two different bookstores in Mong Kok: three from “Lau Za Shu She” and two from “Tin Yuen Book Co.”
Will the current legal environment lead to more bookstore closures in the coming months?
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