In a striking display of security, over 20 police officers were deployed to the Sheung Wan area of Hong Kong on the opening day of a week-long independent book fair, raising concerns among attendees about freedom of expression and movement. This event, which kicked off on Friday, showcases works from 20 local independent publishers and is designed to foster a culture of reading in the city.

The book fair, running until next Thursday, spans multiple venues including local cafés and restaurants, with the backdrop of a former bookstore, Mount Zero, which closed its doors earlier this year amid increased scrutiny from authorities. Just last December, the store had announced its closure, attributing the decision to a barrage of inspections following anonymous complaints, a trend indicative of the heightened tensions in Hong Kong's literary scene.

On the first day of the fair, witnesses, including a HKFP reporter, observed uniformed and plainclothes officers patrolling Tai Ping Shan Street. Police reportedly stopped and searched individuals leaving the former Mount Zero bookstore, including prominent pro-democracy figure and barrister Margaret Ng. After a brief detainment, her vehicle was allowed to proceed, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the event.

A travel writer known as Pazu recounted his worrying experience, stating that police not only checked bags but also asked for identification from attendees at various points around the fair. He noted that nearly everyone exiting Mount Zero was subjected to this scrutiny, raising alarm among those present about the implications for personal freedoms.

The presence of police patrols extended throughout the neighborhood, including a visibly stationed police van in close proximity to the bookstore, emphasizing the government's watchful eye on cultural gatherings.

Former bookstore Mount Zero represented a creative haven, having opened amidst a surge in independent bookstores following the 2019 protests and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Undoubtedly, the closure of such spaces speaks to a larger narrative of censorship and the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom in Hong Kong.

As discussions around civil liberties intensify, the independent book fair serves as a vital reminder of the importance of preserving cultural expression in the face of encroaching oversight and the collateral effects of political dissent.