What You Need to Know
• Lam Wing-kee, a former Hong Kong bookseller, passed away in Taiwan at the age of 70.
• He had a cancer relapse last year and died at MacKay Memorial Hospital in Taipei.
• Lam was a prominent figure in advocating for free speech after being detained by Chinese authorities in 2015.
Lam Wing-kee, a former Hong Kong bookseller and symbol of resistance against Beijing’s suppression of free speech, has died in Taiwan. The Central News Agency reported that Lam, 70, was admitted to MacKay Memorial Hospital in Taipei after a cancer relapse last year. He fell into a coma on Wednesday and passed away on Thursday evening. Lam had previously worked at Causeway Bay Books in Hong Kong and relocated to Taipei in 2019 due to fears of legal repercussions. He reopened the bookstore in Taiwan in 2020, continuing his advocacy for freedom of expression.
Why It Matters
Lam Wing-kee’s death highlights the ongoing struggle for free speech in Hong Kong and mainland China. He was one of five booksellers who disappeared in late 2015, known for selling works that criticized the Chinese government. His defiance in recounting his abduction and detention contradicted official narratives from Chinese authorities, drawing international attention to the issue of censorship. Lam’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic values and the ongoing challenges faced by activists in the region.
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