Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.
Search Continues as Fatalities Rises
Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following 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 operation goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.
Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause
The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.
Those Detained Include Corporate Executives
On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.
Safety Failures Revealed
A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.
“They just wanted to profit at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.
Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers
As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.
One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.
Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.
Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.
Government Statement on Arrests
Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”
Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn
On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.
Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”
A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”
Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts
The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.
Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.
Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.
The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.
The student told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.
“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.
