Authorities in Hong Kong has reportedly banned the books of six authors from public libraries.
Media reports said the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has ordered library staff to remove copies of nine books by six authors because the titles had to undergo a review by the government.
Among the books ordered withdrawn are those of former Democratic Party chairman Albert Ho, former Civic Party lawmaker Tanya Chan, political commentator Bruce Lam, Chinese-American writer and activist Yu Jie, and Chinese dissident writer Liao Yiwu.
The books were deemed in violation of the region’s national security law.
According to a report from Apple Daily, the decision to withdraw the books from public libraries was made by the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Also ordered out of the shelves is the book “Hong Kong Nationalism” by Undergrad – an editorial board of the Hong Kong University Students’ Union.
It is the second time that the government has removed books from public libraries over national security concerns.
In July last year, authorities also took nine books off the shelves by three authors, including Joshua Wong and Chan.
The authors have already challenged the decision of authorities, saying that issues discussed in the books are also debated in parliament.
Hong Kong’s national security law, which took effect on June 30, 2020, introduced the crimes of separatism, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.
