Following a fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district that resulted in 159 fatalities and the displacement of thousands, university student Miles Kwan initiated a public petition. The petition sought governmental accountability and answers regarding the incident.
Kwan was subsequently arrested by Hong Kong national security police on suspicion of sedition. He has since been released on bail. The police stated they would handle actions in accordance with legal procedures and circumstances. The arrest prompted public discussion.
Official Statements and Government Actions
Government authorities issued warnings against attempts to "exploit" the fire to "endanger national security."
- Ronny Tong, a member of Hong Kong's Executive Council, characterized the government's approach as "prudent."
- Regina Ip, a Hong Kong lawmaker, stated that authorities were exercising "extra care" to prevent events resembling the 2019 protests, and emphasized distinguishing between genuine opinions and petitions with "criminal intent."
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced that the government would provide support to victims and investigate the blaze. Measures included forming an independent committee, reviewing the building works system, and offering temporary accommodation and financial aid. Some of these actions mirrored demands in Kwan's petition.
Petition Details and Further Arrests
Kwan's petition, which included "four demands," garnered over 10,000 signatures within a day before its removal.
In separate developments, authorities arrested 15 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter. They also ordered the removal of mesh netting from buildings under renovation after investigators found that netting at the affected complex did not meet flame retardant standards. One woman was also arrested for allegedly attempting to profit from the crisis through a fraudulent fundraising campaign.
China's national security office in Hong Kong issued a warning against attempts to instigate "black terror," a term previously used to describe the 2019 protests. The office later vowed to penalize "hostile foreign forces." Chief Executive Lee affirmed that "justice [would be served]" to any individuals attempting to "sabotage" relief efforts.
Former district councillor Kenneth Cheung was reportedly arrested by national security police, and his passport impounded, in connection with content he re-shared on social media following the fire. Kenneth Chan, a politics professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, commented that authorities' handling of the disaster emphasized social control, noting the replacement of community-led relief initiatives with government-backed groups. Social media comments in Hong Kong reflected public concern regarding the arrests and the official response.