HONG KONG — Hong Kong police on Wednesday detained two individuals suspected of selling subversive materials and accepting financial support from overseas political entities under the 2024 national security law. The names of the detainees were not disclosed in an official statement, though local reports linked one detainee to the owner of Hunter Bookstore, Leticia Wong.
Wong, a pro-democracy advocate and former district councilor, has faced heightened scrutiny following her vocal opposition to government policies since the 2019 protests. Her potential arrest, if confirmed, could be interpreted as a broader effort to suppress dissent in the city.
The Associated Press could not confirm the identities of the arrested individuals. Police did not reply to requests for comment, and Wong’s contact details were not available.
The detentions occurred a week before the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese administration. Critics argue that Beijing’s assurances of preserving civil liberties post-1997 have significantly eroded.
According to the government’s statement, the two suspects operated a bookstore in Sham Shui Po district, where Wong’s store is located. They faced charges of sedition and handling assets potentially linked to criminal activities.
Last year, a pro-Beijing publication claimed an independent book fair at Wong’s store had implications of “soft resistance,” citing plans to sell a biography of jailed pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.
Investigations revealed the pair allegedly distributed materials promoting hostility toward the city’s government, judiciary, and law enforcement. They were also accused of receiving funds from foreign political groups, though specific details remain unspecified.
The Hong Kong government maintains that the national security laws are essential for maintaining public order, asserting that freedom of expression is safeguarded within the city’s legal framework.