Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.
Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.
The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.
On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.
A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.
“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of human lives,” he said.
As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.
One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.
Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.
Local media also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.
Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”
On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said a comment.
Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”
Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”
The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.
Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.
However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.
The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.
The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.
“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.
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