Hong Kong police detain man for online comments about fatal fire

HONG KONG On Saturday, Hong Kongs national security police arrested a man in connection with criticism of authorities following a high-rise fire that claimed at least 159 lives, marking the first confirmed detention linked to such online posts. Authorities stated he faced charges for sharing information with seditious intent on social media.

Steve Li, chief superintendent of the police National Security Department, explained that the content included attempts to stir resentment against both the Hong Kong and central Chinese governments. He suggested that the governments were exploiting the tragedy to create disorder, which is completely false, Li told reporters.

Earlier reports by local media mentioned other arrests, but officials have not confirmed these. The fire, which occurred on November 26 at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex, has fueled public debate over government responsibility. Authorities have cautioned against efforts to use the incident to undermine local or central governance.

Hong Kong, although part of China, maintains its own legal system, similar to nearby Macao, both of which were returned to China in the late 1990s after periods as European colonies.

Police also said the man was suspected of revealing information related to a national security investigation, potentially affecting its outcome. On December 2, he was requested to assist police in the probe, but reportedly shared some details online the following day, despite warnings not to do so. Officials believe the 71-year-old may have tried to alert others involved in the case.

The cause of last months fire remains under investigation. The government plans to establish an independent committee to examine the incident. At least 21 individuals have been detained in connection with alleged corruption and negligence in a major renovation project at the housing complex prior to the fire.

Investigators have identified substandard green netting around scaffolding and foam boards on windows as key factors that allowed the fire to spread rapidly through seven of the eight towers. Some fire alarms were also reported as non-functional. Last weekend, an organizer of a petition demanding accountability was arrested on suspicion of sedition.

Li noted that authorities have detected widespread false information about the fire, seemingly aimed at generating hostility toward Hong Kong and Beijing. He added that pamphlets and slogans posted near the site appeared intended to provoke unrest, reminiscent of the large-scale anti-government protests in 2019, which led to a severe crackdown on political dissent.

All candidates in Sundays legislative election have been vetted for loyalty to Beijing, leaving no opposition participants. Hong Kong leader John Lee emphasized that those attempting to exploit the tragedy would face consequences. Anyone seeking to disrupt social order will be held accountable, he stated.

Author: Lucas Grant