Arrest in Hong Kong Linked to Social Media Criticism of Fatal Fire
In a recent development, Hong Kong’s national security police have detained a man for allegedly disseminating “information with seditious intention” on social media. This arrest is the first publicly confirmed case related to criticism of the government’s handling of a devastating fire in a high-rise apartment that claimed at least 159 lives.
Steve Li, the chief superintendent of the police National Security Department, elaborated on the accusations, stating that the individual had accused both the Hong Kong and central governments of exploiting the tragedy to incite chaos. “That’s something totally impossible,” Li emphasized to reporters.
The fire, which ignited on November 26 at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex, has sparked a discussion on government accountability. While some local reports suggest other arrests have occurred, authorities have not confirmed these claims.
The Hong Kong government, part of China yet operating under its own legal system, has cautioned against using the incident to undermine the local or central government. Police noted that the arrested man was also suspected of revealing sensitive details about a national security investigation, potentially intending to compromise the probe.
According to police, the 71-year-old suspect was summoned to a police station on December 2 for assistance with a national security investigation. Li revealed that the following day, the man reportedly disclosed details of the investigation on social media, despite warnings not to do so, potentially alerting other involved parties.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire but have announced plans to establish an independent committee to investigate the incident. In connection with the fire, at least 21 individuals have been arrested as authorities probe potential corruption and negligence linked to a significant renovation project at the housing complex before the blaze.
Investigations have identified substandard green netting on the scaffolding and foam boards on windows as key factors in the rapid spread of the fire across seven of the eight residential towers. Additionally, some fire alarms were reportedly not functioning.
Recently, local media reported that the organizer of a petition demanding government accountability for the fire was arrested by national security police on suspicion of sedition. While Li did not confirm further arrests, he noted that officials had observed a proliferation of false information about the fire, which appeared intended to incite hostility against Hong Kong and Beijing.
According to Li, individuals have been distributing pamphlets and posting slogans near the fire scene, actions reminiscent of the large-scale anti-government protests in Hong Kong in 2019, which led to a crackdown on political dissent.
With no opposition candidates in the upcoming legislative election, candidates are vetted for loyalty to Beijing. Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, has reiterated that authorities will act against those exploiting the tragedy, stating, “For anybody who tries to sabotage the commitment of society, I will do all I can to ensure justice is done.”
