Leticia Wong, owner of Hunter Bookstore in Hong Kong (Wikipedia).
By Andrew Richard Albanese, Editor-in-Chief
The European and International Booksellers Federation and the International Publishers Association are sounding the alarm after the arrest of two Hong Kong booksellers on June 24.The Associated Press reports that one of those arrested was Leticia Wong, “a pro-democracy former district councilor” and owner of Hunter Bookstore, after authorities reportedly seized titles linked to Apple Daily newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai, who earlier this year was sentenced to 20 years in jail under the city’s national security law.
Fabian Paagman
According to a report in the South China Morning Post, Wong and “a 32-year-old local man” were released on bail, and must report back to police on July 24.
“Booksellers are indispensable pillars of society, ensuring the free circulation of diverse ideas, perspectives, and debates. They are vital to nurturing a vibrant cultural landscape and informed and engaged citizens,” said EIBF President Fabian Paagman, in a statement. “Arresting booksellers for providing access to knowledge and literature is an unacceptable breach of intellectual freedom and an assault to the very purpose of bookselling. EIBF stands in solidarity with all those on the frontlines, defending the right to read, publish, and sell books without fear.”
“Defending the right to publish, sell, and access books without fear of censorship or persecution lies at the heart of EIBF’s mission,” the EIBF release adds. “We call for global solidarity with booksellers and publishers worldwide who face repression for their essential work.”
Jessica Sänger, Chair of the International Publishers Association’s Freedom to Publish Committee said the IPA backs the statement of the EIBF. “The freedom to read is a vital part of a trinity of freedoms including the freedom of expression and the freedom to publish that unites authors, publishers, booksellers and librarians,” Sänger said, in a release.
The arrests come as the International Publishers Association is set to gather for the 35th International Publishers Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 5-9, 2026.