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Hong Kong authorities have arrested a 71-year-old man for posting what they described as “information with seditious intention” on social media regarding last month’s deadly apartment fire that claimed 159 lives, marking the first publicly confirmed arrest related to criticism of the disaster response.
Steve Li, chief superintendent of the police National Security Department, told reporters that the man’s posts allegedly included materials “intending to incite hatred” toward the Hong Kong and central Chinese governments. According to Li, the man portrayed both governments as “instigators exploiting the tragedy to cause chaos and turmoil,” a claim the superintendent dismissed as “totally impossible.”
The arrest comes amid growing tensions over public discourse following the November 26 blaze at Wang Fuk Court housing complex, which has sparked widespread debate about government accountability and building safety standards in the densely populated financial hub.
Beyond the sedition accusation, police charged the man with disclosing information related to a national security investigation. Li explained that the suspect had been summoned to a police station on December 2 to assist with an investigation but allegedly shared details of this interaction on social media the following day, despite explicit warnings not to do so. Authorities believe he was attempting to alert others who might be under investigation.
While local media have reported additional arrests, including that of a petition organizer who called for government accountability, officials have not confirmed these cases. Li neither confirmed nor denied other arrests but emphasized that authorities had observed “a lot of fake information” about the fire that appeared designed to foment anti-government sentiment.
The deadly blaze has revealed serious safety concerns at the public housing complex. Investigators have identified substandard green netting covering scaffolding and foam boards installed on windows as primary factors in the fire’s rapid spread across seven of the eight residential towers in the complex. Some fire alarms were also found to be non-operational.
The disaster investigation has already led to 21 arrests related to suspected corruption and negligence surrounding a major renovation project that was underway at the complex before the fire erupted. The Hong Kong government has promised to establish an independent committee to probe the cause of the tragedy.
Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee, has issued stern warnings against those he sees as exploiting the disaster for political purposes. “For anybody who tries to sabotage the commitment of society, I will do all I can to ensure justice is done,” Lee stated.
The fire and subsequent crackdown on criticism occur against a backdrop of tightened political control in Hong Kong. Following massive anti-government protests in 2019, Beijing imposed a national security law that has effectively silenced political opposition in the former British colony. This political transformation is evident in Sunday’s upcoming legislative election, where all candidates have been vetted to ensure loyalty to Beijing, with no opposition candidates permitted to run.
Li claimed some individuals were attempting to provoke conflict by distributing pamphlets and displaying slogans near the fire site, activities he said resembled scenes from the 2019 protests that prompted the security crackdown.
Hong Kong, like nearby Macau, operates under a “one country, two systems” arrangement that grants it a separate legal system and laws from mainland China following its handover from British control in 1997. However, critics argue that Beijing’s influence has steadily eroded the city’s promised autonomy, particularly since the implementation of the national security law in 2020.
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14 Comments
While I understand the need for sensitive information to be protected, arresting someone for social media posts seems like an overreaction. The public has a right to discuss and debate issues of public safety and governance.
Absolutely. Transparency and open dialogue are crucial, even on sensitive topics. Shutting down discourse sets a dangerous precedent.
This fire was a tragedy, and the public deserves answers. But using national security laws to silence critics is a concerning abuse of power. The government should welcome constructive criticism to improve fire safety, not retaliate against it.
I agree. Stifling public discourse rarely leads to positive change. The authorities should focus on investigating the root causes and implementing meaningful reforms.
Concerning to see authorities cracking down on free speech over this tragic fire. The public deserves transparency and accountability, not censorship. I hope an independent investigation can get to the bottom of what happened and how to prevent such disasters in the future.
Agreed. Suppressing criticism and dissent is never the right approach. The government should welcome public scrutiny to improve fire safety and building standards.
Curious to see how this plays out. While public safety is paramount, arresting someone over social media posts raises serious freedom of expression concerns. The government should be transparent and responsive to the public’s legitimate questions.
Exactly. Transparency and open dialogue are essential for addressing complex issues like this. Resorting to heavy-handed tactics undermines public trust.
Troubling news. The public needs to be able to openly discuss and debate issues of public safety without fear of retaliation. The authorities should focus on investigating the fire and improving building standards, not silencing critics.
Well said. Cracking down on free speech is counterproductive and erodes public confidence. The government should welcome constructive feedback to prevent future tragedies.
Disappointing to see the government resorting to such heavy-handed tactics. Public scrutiny and debate are essential for improving public safety and holding authorities accountable. The authorities should focus on investigating the fire, not silencing critics.
Well said. Transparency and open dialogue are crucial, especially on matters of public safety. Cracking down on free speech is a concerning overreaction that undermines trust in the government.
This is a concerning development. While national security is important, using it to suppress public discourse sets a dangerous precedent. The authorities should be transparent and work to address the underlying issues, not arrest critics.
Agreed. Censorship is not the answer. The public deserves answers and the ability to freely discuss ways to improve fire safety and building standards.