Activists' books unavailable in HK libraries

Books by prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figures have been taken off the shelves in the city's public libraries, and are being reviewed to see whether they violate the national security law, said a government department on Sunday (July 5).

This is the latest development in under a week since the new law came into force that punishes crimes related to secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, with punishments of up to life in prison.

A search for books by young activist Joshua Wong or pro-democracy politician Tanya Chan in public libraries will now show the books unavailable or under review.

On Monday (July 6), Wong encouraged people to engage in the democracy movement:

"The national security law is not only targeting a small group of people. It's affecting the daily life of Hong Kongers and even enhanc(ing) and encourag(ing) or facilitat(ing) more censorship in public libraries."

Also on Monday, Joshua Wong pleaded not guilty to inciting others to participate in an unlawful assembly during anti-government protests last year.

But fellow activist Agnes Chow did plead guilty to a similar charge.

Lawyers, foreign governments and pro-demoracy activists have critcized the law, fearing it could be used to stifle dissent and undermine freedoms in the city.

Last week the slogan "liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times" was also made illegal.

Instead protesters held white paper at a lunchtime demonstration on Monday.

It is unclear how many books are under review in the libraries.

But two titles by Chinese Nobel Peace Prize-winning political dissident Liu Xiaobo, who was jailed for "inciting subversion", were still available on Sunday according to the online search.