Hong Kong Customs Seizes Over 60 Imported Books

According to Deutsche Welle, the concern group Migrant Bird reported that over 60 books imported from Taiwan were seized by Hong Kong customs under the National Security Law. Customs stated it does not comment on individual cases and will inspect seditious items lawfully.

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Sequence of the Book Seizure

According to Deutsche Welle, the concern group Migrant Bird, founded by former district councillor Chu Kong-wai, stated on social media that a batch of books imported from Taiwan was scheduled to arrive in mid-October at its Ruyi bookstore, but suffered delivery delays and arrived with only half boxes containing over 60 missing books.

Deutsche Welle reported that after inquiries, Migrant Bird confirmed the books were seized by customs. A receipt provided by the transport company showed the action was taken under Article 43 implementation rules of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

Organization Response and Official Stance

According to Deutsche Welle, Migrant Bird member Yu Sze-chung told Ming Pao that the group did not understand the connection between the seized books and national security or seditious intent. He noted the books had been imported multiple times before and stated the group would continue selling them while calling for clarification.

Deutsche Welle cited local media reports stating that Hong Kong customs responded that it does not comment on individual cases and emphasized that any items with seditious intent will be detained lawfully and referred to the National Security Department of the Police Force when necessary.

Reported Context and Rights Concerns

According to Deutsche Welle, the implementation rules amended in March empower customs to seize items reasonably suspected of having seditious intent and apply for confiscation. Several independent bookstores in Hong Kong were searched by national security police between March and July.

Deutsche Welle noted that Secretary for Security Chris Tang stated in July that the government has no intention of establishing a banned book list and compared seditious books to poisonous food. Publishing figures have expressed that drawing the line on speech and publication has become increasingly difficult.