Arrests at Bookstore Highlight Deteriorating Freedom in Hong Kong

On March 24, 2026, Hong Kong police arrested Pong Yat-ming, the owner of Book Punch, along with three employees, on allegations of selling seditious publications. This action is reportedly linked to the sale of a biography of Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy media mogul currently imprisoned under the 2024 national security law. The police conducted a search of the bookstore, seizing various materials, including Lai's biography titled *The Troublemaker*, authored by Mark Clifford. Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison in February 2026 for national security crimes.

The Straits TimesTaipei Times

The arrests occur within the framework of Hong Kong's 2024 national security law, which was enacted following widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019. This law has been criticized for its vague definitions, which many argue allow for broad interpretations of what constitutes seditious behavior. Prof. Urania Chiu, a law lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, expressed concern over the implications of such a law, stating, “Given the broad and malleable definition of seditious intention, it is hard to say that anyone can have certainty about what is and is not seditious.”

The Straits Times

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned the arrests, warning that Hong Kong is becoming "increasingly dystopian." HRW's Asia director, Elaine Pearson, remarked, “First, the authorities jailed the newspaper publisher, then they arrested the person selling books about him. Who’s next?” This sentiment reflects a growing fear that ordinary citizens may face repercussions as the government intensifies its crackdown on dissent.

The Straits Times

In response to inquiries about the arrests, police stated they would "take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law." However, they did not provide further details regarding the specific charges or the ongoing investigation. The bookstore remained closed following the incident, displaying a notice that read, “Taking a day off due to an unexpected situation. Sorry for any inconvenience.”

Taipei Times

The situation surrounding Book Punch is part of a larger pattern of suppression of free speech and dissent in Hong Kong. In a related development, three companies associated with Lai's now-defunct newspaper, *Apple Daily*, were recently deregistered and labeled as "prohibited organizations." These companies had previously been convicted of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials, resulting in fines exceeding HK$3 million (approximately US$383,694).

Taipei Times

While multiple sources confirm the arrests and the seizure of materials, there is a lack of detailed information regarding the specific legal proceedings that will follow. Additionally, the police's vague statements about their actions raise questions about the transparency of the enforcement of the national security law.

The Straits Times

• “Hong Kong has become increasingly dystopian.” — Elaine Pearson, HRW Asia Director

Taipei Times

• “Given the broad and malleable definition of seditious intention, it is hard to say that anyone can have certainty about what is and is not seditious,” — Prof. Urania Chiu, Oxford Brookes University

The Straits Times