Hong Kong national security law: books must pass review before returning to public library shelves, minister says
- Culture minister Kevin Yeung says removing potentially problematic books from shelves before reviewing them is common practice
- ‘Once we find the books’ contents are in line with standards, we will put them back on shelves for public circulation,’ he adds
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung on Wednesday explained it was usual for the authorities to take titles out of circulation after concerns were raised before any conclusions were drawn about their contents.
“We are currently reviewing the content of public library books based on suggestions from the Audit [Commission’s] report. It is also a common practice to remove books first once we receive complaints or when we discover the books are illegal or threaten national security,” he told reporters at the Legislative Council Complex.
“The purpose of this is to ensure people cannot borrow these books and be affected by them.”
The government’s criteria for library books include a stipulation that they must not breach legislation, including the national security law.
They should also not conflict with the moral standards and mainstream values of society and not promote violent or lewd conduct, the minister said.