Amnesty's Pop-Up Redacted Bookstore Highlights Threats to Free Speech

Amnesty International recently highlighted the threats to freedom of expression in Hong Kong with the opening of a pop up bookstore in the city, selling over 1000 redacted books -- books that appear to have been censored or blacked out.

The store in the city's Central District highlights the Freedom of Expression laws protected by Article 27 in Hong Kong, and underscores the fact that if Article 27 continues to be ignored by the authorities, censored books could become the norm. All the books will be on sale fo HK$27.

The bookstore, created by Ogilvy & Mather Hong Kong in collaboration with Brand Union, is supported by a series of short films, which show a time-lapse of artists sketching controversial scenes pertinent to Hong Kong. The videos, which are being aired on public buses across the city, will be shown in reverse, accompanied by the message "when rights vanish, so does the truth."

Mabel Au, director at Amnesty International Hong Kong said, "Censorship and self-censorship are on the rise, and people's freedoms are being challenged. Whistle blowers, journalists and booksellers are being silenced, and with them, the vital issues they bring to light. We hope to address this deeply concerning issue through the installation, and hope that the people of Hong Kong not only keep this top of mind, but also continue to have a voice, and defend our Freedom of Expression."