Book Punch

Book Punch is an independent bookstore founded in 2020 in Hong Kong's Sham Shui Po district. It has recently become newsworthy due to the arrest of its founder, Pong Yat-ming, and three female employees. The arrests are related to the sale of a biography of Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, a former media boss, and other publications that authorities have deemed seditious. These actions are occurring amidst a tightening of restrictions on freedom of expression in Hong Kong, including a new law that could compel suspects to reveal their private passwords. The case highlights the increasing pressure on independent bookstores and publishers in Hong Kong and the shrinking space for dissenting voices and critical perspectives, particularly those related to prominent pro-democracy figures like Jimmy Lai.