Hong Kong's national security police have made their first publicly confirmed arrest linked to online criticism of the government's handling of a catastrophic high-rise fire last month. The arrest underscores the authorities' firm stance against what they perceive as attempts to exploit the tragedy for political purposes.
Arrest Over Seditious Social Media Posts
On Saturday, December 6, police arrested a 71-year-old man accused of posting information with seditious intention on social media platforms. Chief Superintendent Steve Li of the National Security Department stated the man's posts were aimed at inciting hatred towards both the Hong Kong and the Chinese central governments.
"For example, he pointed to the Hong Kong and the central governments as instigators of exploiting the tragedy to cause chaos and turmoil," Li told reporters. "That's something totally impossible." The man was initially asked to assist with a national security investigation on December 2 but was arrested after he allegedly disclosed details of the probe online the following day, despite warnings.
The Deadly Wang Fuk Court Blaze
The arrest is connected to the public response to the devastating fire that broke out on November 26 at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex. The inferno claimed at least 159 lives, making it one of Hong Kong's deadliest residential fires in decades. The tragedy has sparked intense public debate about government accountability and building safety.
An initial investigation identified substandard green netting on scaffolding and foam boards on windows as key factors in the fire's rapid spread across seven of the complex's eight towers. Some fire alarms were also found to be non-functional. Authorities have arrested at least 21 people in a separate probe into suspected corruption and negligence related to a major renovation project underway at the complex before the fire.
Crackdown on Dissent and Upcoming Election
This arrest is part of a broader pattern where Hong Kong authorities have warned against using the fire to undermine stability. Chief Superintendent Li noted that officials had identified much fake information online intended to incite hatred. He also referenced activities near the fire scene, such as distributing pamphlets and putting up slogans, which he said resembled tactics from the 2019 anti-government protests.
The political climate in Hong Kong remains tightly controlled. A legislative election held on Sunday, December 7, featured no opposition candidates, as all runners were vetted for loyalty to Beijing. Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has vowed action against those trying to "sabotage the commitment of society." Local media had earlier reported other arrests related to a petition for government accountability over the fire, though police did not confirm them.
