How Hong Kong is Suppressing Dissatisfaction with Fire

Smoke and flames engulfed multiple apartment towers at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong on November 26, 2025, resulting in a catastrophic blaze. At least 159 lives were lost in the incident, which took several days to fully control.

In the aftermath of the fire, authorities have shifted focus from firefighting to curbing public dissent. Individuals linked to the incident or deemed by the government to threaten social stability or national security have been detained.

A government spokesperson stated that certain outside forces were attempting to undermine rescue operations and stir social discord. The city vowed to crack down on actions that distort facts or incite hatred against authorities.

The response has raised alarms among rights groups, echoing past concerns about the suppression of pro-democracy movements under the guise of national security. On November 29, Hong Kongs national security office warned that "anti-China elements" reacting to the fire would face severe consequences under local and national security laws.

Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the importance of not criminalizing those seeking answers about the tragedy. She noted that the fire exposed weaknesses in government oversight, press freedom, and civil society in Hong Kong.

Among those arrested is 24-year-old university student Miles Kwan, detained for allegedly sedition after initiating a petition demanding government action on resettlement of victims, corruption investigations, building safety reviews, and accountability. Kwan was released pending further investigation, and the petition disappeared from the internet.

Former district official Kenneth Cheung was also arrested for online comments related to the fire. He was released on bail but had his passport confiscated. A gag order prevents him from discussing details of the case.

Authorities reportedly met with a solicitor to halt a media briefing about the fire, which would have addressed aid for victims, inquiries into corruption, substandard construction, and regulatory oversight. Volunteers aiding survivors were also asked to leave some sites, with officials urging coordination with the government to avoid crowding.

Officials appear determined to prevent large-scale protests reminiscent of 2019, when anti-establishment demonstrations swept the city. Analysts suggest that the government is using national security laws to contain dissent and frame the crisis as a matter of regime stability.

Hong Kong leader John Lee declared that crimes exploiting the tragedy would not be tolerated. Experts note that authorities are closely monitoring grassroots organizing, wary of any revival of opposition movements.

Author: Lucas Grant