🔗 Share this article

Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.