🔗 Share this article

Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “hostile” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.