Hong Kong Fire Arrests Spark Outcry as Sedition Law Used to Silence Protesters

A deadly fire in Hong Kong has killed over 140 people. The tragedy occurred at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Tai Po. Public grief is now mixing with anger as authorities move to silence demands for accountability.

Hong Kong police have arrested several protesters under sedition laws. This crackdown follows calls for an independent probe into the blaze. According to Reuters, the incident is one of the city’s deadliest fires in decades.

Sedition Arrests Follow Demands for Independent Probe

A 24-year-old student, Miles Kwan, was detained over the weekend. He had been distributing flyers near a train station. The flyers demanded a full government investigation.

Kwan and other activists started an online petition. It gathered over 10,000 signatures in less than a day. The petition called for a review of construction oversight and proper resettlement for affected residents.

The National Security Police arrested Kwan on Saturday. Local media reported the charges were related to sedition. The online petition was subsequently deleted.

Beijing Condemns “Anti-China Forces” Exploiting Tragedy

The arrests came just hours after Beijing issued a strong statement. It condemned what it called “anti-China forces” for exploiting the disaster. Officials accused them of inciting social division.

The Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong promised action. It said it would target anyone using the fire to endanger national security. This was reported by Bloomberg.

Authorities have so far arrested 11 people in direct connection to the fire itself. The blaze is the world’s deadliest residential fire since 1980. Many are now demanding a judge-led commission of inquiry, a practice from the colonial era.

The use of sedition laws to quell demands for a transparent investigation marks a significant moment, highlighting the ongoing tension in Hong Kong between public accountability and national security enforcement following the devastating fire.

Thought you’d like to know

What caused the Hong Kong fire?

The exact cause of the blaze at Wang Fuk Court is still under official investigation. Authorities have not yet released a final report on the origin of the fire.

How many people were arrested for protesting?

Several activists, including student Miles Kwan, were arrested for sedition. Police have not confirmed the total number of protest-related arrests.

What is Hong Kong’s sedition law?

The sedition law is part of a national security framework imposed by Beijing. It criminalizes acts seen as inciting discontent or hatred against the authorities.

Will there be an independent inquiry into the fire?

The government has announced an inter-departmental task force to investigate. So far, no major independent, judge-led commission has been established.

How has the public responded to the tragedy?

The public has held mourning vigils and left flowers at the site. An online petition for accountability gained significant support before being removed.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AFP, Bloomberg