Hong Kong Book Fair returns after long delay due to Covid-19, but self-censorship fears persist
- Despite a reduced presence, political titles from opposition figures still being sold at first book fair held since national security law came into effect
- Organisers stress city’s publishing industry has never vetted books before printing and selling
It is the first fair since the Beijing-imposed legislation came into force last June, and critics fear the law, which bans acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, could be used to limit free speech.
Those concerns were evident at the event, with far fewer books penned by opposition figures on display than in years past.
Dozens of attendees had already arrived at the Convention and Exhibition Centre about three hours before the event opened at 10am, with many bringing along suitcases and trolleys to carry home their purchases.
“It’s better to follow the government policy,” said Fung, a 58-year-old housewife, when asked about potential self-censorship at the event.
She and her husband were first in line at the ticket office, having arrived at 7am. Both planned to take advantage of the free entry offered to vaccinated residents.
“I plan to buy fashion magazines like Elle, as well as travel books and CHOICE magazine,” she said. “I think I will spend about HK$1,000 to HK$2,000.”