Hong Kong's Leader Requires Libraries to Ensure Materials Comply with Local Laws

Hong Kong, which underwent a transition from British to Chinese control in 1997 with the promise of broad freedoms, has recently seen a reduction in personal freedoms as a result of a comprehensive national security statute enforced by China.

on May 16, 2023

Hong Kong's Leader Requires Libraries to Ensure Materials Comply with Local Laws

In response to concerns over a large number of books and movies relating to China's Tiananmen Square crackdown that has since been taken off library shelves, Hong Kong's leader stated on Tuesday that public libraries must guarantee that materials don't infringe local laws.

People can find these books in independent bookstores. When challenged about the removal of June 4 books and documentaries from public libraries, Hong Kong's chief executive John Lee responded, "If people want to purchase, they may buy.

Without going into further detail, Lee said, "What libraries need to do is to make sure that there is no violation of any laws in Hong Kong, including, of course, copyrights, etc., and also if they promote any messages that are not in the interests of Hong Kong.

According to Chinese authorities, the security law delivered peace following significant pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019.

In contrast to mainland China, where it is a taboo and forbidden issue, public monuments and commemorations of China's violent Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 were formerly permitted in Hong Kong.

However, for the last three years, Hong Kong officials have prohibited an annual June 4 candlelight vigil from taking place on COVID social distancing grounds, and public monuments, including a "goddess of democracy" statue, have been removed from three colleges.

Some activists have urged the June 4 vigil to continue in light of the COVID limitations lifted this year.

More than 40% of audiovisual materials and books with "political themes" have been taken out of public libraries since 2020, according to Hong Kong's Ming Pao newspaper.

A two-year government assessment of library materials had almost been finished, according to a government-backed audit commission, which stated in an April report that "library books which are manifestly contrary to the interests of national security and removed them from the library collections."

Some nations, notably the United States, have attacked the national security law as a weapon of repression since it punishes activities like subversion and cooperation with foreign forces with possible life imprisonment.