Merchants confused by Book Fair sensitivity guidelines

Five books were made to be removed from sale at the HKTDC Hong Kong Book Fair after they were suspected of violating national security law, with merchants stating they were confused by what constituted a sensitive book, according to the organizers.  

This came after publisher Bbluesky, one of the exhibitors at the book fair, told the media on Saturday that it was reminded by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to remove five titles from its booth, citing complaints and the perceived "sensitive" nature of their content.  

Among the books was one about media ethics by seasoned journalist Allan Au Ka-lun and another written by former lawmaker and ex-prisoner Shiu Ka-chun.  

The HKTDC responded to media inquiry and stated that exhibitors had to comply with event regulations and all applicable laws in Hong Kong, including the national security law.  

The spokesperson for the HKTDC said the council would handle any complaints regarding suspected violations of event regulations in accordance with procedures, and they would request exhibitors to stop displaying and selling the items if necessary.  

Former Secretary of Security and lawmaker Lai Tung-kwok stated that he believed that affected items were not banned books, as they are still sold in Hong Kong, but stressed that the HKTDC has the right to take down any book displayed in the fair.  

He added that as the books were recently released, people could not make comparisons about how the books could have been sold previously but could not be sold again this year.  

The participating merchant felt helpless about the incident, stating that two of the books that were forced to be taken down could be sold at the previous year's book fair, but this year, they were told to take them down while setting up their stall.  

They also added that during the convention, the staff members constantly reminded them to undertake response action, and the merchants thought the sensitivity guidelines were confusing.