Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.
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, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About forty people are still missing.
The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on 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 detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.
A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.
“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.
As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.
A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.
Reports said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.
News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.
Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”
On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.
Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”
Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”
The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.
Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.
However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.
The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.
The student informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.
“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.
