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Hong Kong Book Fair organiser vows no political censorship yet urges exhibitors to ‘comply with the law’ ahead of annual event
Trade Development Council official claims bans would only be applied to materials judged indecent or obscene by the relevant tribunal
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No political censorship will be imposed on titles sold at the annual Hong Kong Book Fair as long as exhibitors “comply with the law”, the organiser pledged, amid concerns publications advocating independence for the city will be removed.
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The Trade Development Council emphasised the fair would remain as liberal and open as possible, and expressed confidence that publishers would cooperate if their materials were flagged.
Against the backdrop of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule, focus has turned to whether advocates of independence or localism would use the platform to sell “radical” materials.
Benjamin Chau Kai-leung, the council’s deputy executive director, said bans would only be applied to materials judged indecent or obscene by the Obscene Articles Tribunal.
Of course, publications must comply with the law
“Whether it’s politically sensitive, that is not our consideration. But of course, publications must comply with the law,” he said, without elaborating.
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