Outrage as Hong Kong censors Haruki Murakami’s latest novel
Killing Commendatore, the new work by the bestselling Japanese author who backed the Umbrella Movement rallies, has to be sealed in wrappers with warning notices
Hong Kong — Bestselling Japanese writer Haruki Murakami’s latest novel has been deemed "indecent" by Hong Kong censors, triggering a backlash in the city where concern is growing that freedom of expression is increasingly under threat. By Thursday, more than 2,100 residents had signed an online petition against the move, which requires Murakami’s book, Killing Commendatore, to be sealed in wrappers with warning notices. The petition, jointly written by 21 groups, said the decision would "bring shame to Hong Kong people" and warned it could hurt the international standing of the city’s publishing and cultural sectors. Under the ruling by Hong Kong’s Obscene Articles Tribunal, the novel also cannot be sold to minors. Anyone violating the rule could face a fine of HK$10,000 ($1,270) and six months in prison. A government agency brought the novel to the tribunal for review earlier in July. Murakami did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This is not the first time a decisi...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.