Hong Kong man seeks accountability for deadly fire, but gets arrested instead

After one of Hong Kong's deadliest fires struck last week, undergraduate Miles Kwan started a petition calling for answers from the authorities. Shortly afterward, he was arrested on charges of sedition.

The devastating fire engulfed a densely populated housing complex in Tai Po, northern Hong Kong, claiming at least 159 lives and displacing thousands. The disaster represents one of the city's most significant crises since the 2019 protests, which erupted over Beijing's increasing control.

Authorities, wary of public unrest, repeatedly cautioned against using the tragedy to "endanger national security." Kwan was among several individuals detained under Hong Kong's national security law for seeking government accountability. Observers have described the arrests as either bewildering or a predictable strategy following Beijing's model of governance.

A Natural Call for Answers

Once known for its vibrant civic activism, Hong Kong's response to the Tai Po fire highlights how tightly the city is now integrated with mainland China's governance approach, where government criticism is heavily restricted.

Members of the Hong Kong Executive Council, including Ronny Tong and Regina Ip, defended the arrests as precautionary measures to prevent unrest similar to 2019, emphasizing the distinction between legitimate opinion and criminal intent.

Kwan's petition, outlining four specific demands and echoing the "five demands" slogan of the 2019 protests, quickly gathered over 10,000 signatures before being removed. Days later, Chief Executive John Lee pledged government support to victims, including an independent inquiry, building system review, and temporary aidmeasures aligned with Kwan's petition.

Ongoing Investigations and Arrests

Authorities also arrested 15 individuals suspected of manslaughter and required removal of flammable mesh netting from buildings, following investigations into the fire's rapid spread. Pro-democracy activist Samuel Chu criticized Kwan's arrest, noting that the government's later actions mirrored the petitions requests.

The national security office warned it would take action against anyone promoting "black terror," a term used for the 2019 protests, and vowed to punish hostile foreign influences. Those detained under the law, such as former district councillor Kenneth Cheung, faced scrutiny for sharing content online about the fire, despite calls from residents for accountability that transcended politics.

Government Control vs. Community Action

Experts note that the government's response reflects a desire for control, often sidelining spontaneous, community-led relief efforts. Social media has seen widespread criticism of the detentions, with users arguing that questioning the government has become dangerous.

Chief Executive John Lee emphasized that anyone attempting to hinder relief work would face justice. So far, no government officials have been held accountable, while arrests focused on construction company staff, fire equipment contractors, and one individual accused of exploiting the crisis for personal gain.

Public Concerns Amid Ongoing Election

Some residents have voiced disapproval over proceeding with the Legislative Council election during a period of mourning, noting that only pro-Beijing candidates are eligible. Trent Huang, a local resident, criticized the prioritization, arguing that attention should remain on supporting victims and honoring those affected by the fire.

Author: Noah Whitman