Hong Kong has once again found itself at the intersection of community engagement and unsettling police presence, alongside rising scams threatening residents' safety and trust. Recently, more than 20 police officers were deployed to monitor the Independent Book Fair held on Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, where the interaction between law enforcement and citizens raised eyebrows.
The book fair, which began last Friday and runs until the following Thursday, features works from 20 local independent publishers committed to promoting reading within the city. Books are displayed not only at traditional venues but also at restaurants and cafés, making it part of the cultural fabric of the area. On opening day, police were seen checking IDs and bags of attendees, as noted by travel writer Pazu, who witnessed officers intercepting individuals after they made purchases.
Pazu recounted his experience, sharing, "Almost everyone who left the bookstore was stopped and searched by the police." This encounter has led to discussions about whether such measures are necessary at public cultural events, with one bookstore staffer remarking about the unusually high number of police officers on standby during the morning.
At the center of the activity was Mount Zero bookstore, which had abruptly closed earlier this year after facing frequent inspections by authorities. The closure had left many book lovers disheartened, raising concerns about government interference with independent cultural spaces. Its former owner, pro-democracy figure Margaret Ng, was also stopped by police as her vehicle was leaving the vicinity.
Attending the fair, Ng was caught up from her vehicle’s stop by officers but was released after about five minutes. The growing appearance of police at such events has left many questioning the balance between public safety and artistic expression. The staff at Mount Zero echoed sentiments of apprehension, grappling with the reality of being surveilled at what should be a celebratory celebration of literature.
On the same day, the Hong Kong police issued warnings about another issue plaguing the city—scams. Authorities alerted the public about fraudsters impersonation of the Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee, who was reportedly connected to fabricated court orders sent via email.
These emails, sporting the official Hong Kong police emblem and claiming to represent a non-existent “Cyber Crime Coordination Centre,” accused recipients of visiting child pornographic websites and demanded immediate action. Authorities described the insidious nature of these scams where the recipients were warned about serious legal consequences should they fail to respond. “Be assured [that] serious legal action will be taken against you if you fail to respond to this notice immediately,” the emails claimed, prompting alarm among unsuspecting residents.
The scammers’ tactics extended to claims about accessing deleted data from receivers' devices, contributing to growing fears surrounding online safety and protection. Police confirmed the emails did not originate from them, underlining the importance of the community remaining vigilant against such deceitful practices.
Concerns about police activities at community events juxtaposed with fears over scams depict a troubling atmosphere for Hongkongers, who are increasingly aware of their rights and the actions of law enforcement. While the presence of police at the Independent Book Fair aimed ostensibly to secure the event, many locals feel it fosters intimidation rather than safety.
Events like these highlight the tension within Hong Kong society, where cultural expression and public safety must be delicately balanced. The intensified scrutiny faced by local publishers and booksellers could deter future cultural events, leaving many to wonder how the city’s once-bustling literary scene will evolve.
At the same time, the rise of scams targeting unsuspecting individuals is fueling anxiety within the community. A city phoenixing from the ashes of social unrest finds itself battling not only the remnants of systemic policing practices but also the advancing threat of cyber fraud.
It is amid this climate of fear and uncertainty where the true story boils down to the question: how can Hongkongers reclaim their sense of safety and trust both among themselves and with those tasked with upholding public order?
