‘Missing’ HK bookseller calls for end to protests in video sent to wife

A Hong Kong bookseller who was suspected to have gone missing has sent video footage of himself and a faxed letter to his wife, once again stressing that he voluntarily travelled to the mainland, Hong Kong-based Sing Tao Daily reported on Sunday. Lee Bo, 65, said in the letter that his journey to the mainland was a "personal act" and that he felt "perplexed" by the protests launched in his name. Thousands of people took to the streets in Hong Kong on Sunday over the disappearance of five booksellers, including Lee. It was the second protest in a week, as some speculated that the booksellers were secretly taken away for questioning for publishing books about rumors surrounding political leaders. Wearing a dark shirt and a beige plaid vest, Lee sat on sofa and seemed to be in good spirits in the 46-second video, Sing Tao Daily reported. "I came to the mainland to resolve some personal affairs. It was my personal decision and had nothing to do with anyone else. I do not know why some want to make an issue of it," Lee said. He said what protestors did has greatly bothered him and his family and has put them under a lot of stress. "If you really care about me, please respect my decision and stop fussing over this," the bookseller added. Lee's wife was much relieved after receiving the video and the letter, Sing Tao Daily reported. Lee, a shareholder in a bookstore at Causeway Bay, was reported missing on December 30. However, on January 4, the report of Lee's disappearance was withdrawn by his wife at a local police station after Lee sent her a faxed letter saying that he had travelled to the mainland by his own means and that he was assisting an investigation. Lee's disappearance, together with those of four others in Hong Kong's publishing circle, has attracted much attention. A demonstration was held on Sunday afternoon as protesters gathered around Hong Kong's government headquarters and marched to the Central Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong. A spokesman of the Hong Kong government said that speculation should not be made without a full grasp of the facts when a police investigation is still underway, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Sunday.