Hong Kong authorities have arrested 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire at Wang Fu Court House, which left 151 dead and approximately 40 missing. The incident, the city’s deadliest in 75 years, has raised concerns over safety violations during renovation work that residents had complained about for a year.
Officials revealed that some scaffolding nets used did not meet fire safety standards, with accusations of the construction company cutting corners for profit. Amidst calls for accountability, two civilians were arrested under national security laws. One, a student named Miles Kwan, was detained for an online petition demanding support for victims and accountability from officials. His arrest has been criticized, with many pointing to increased police sensitivity and a perceived alignment with mainland China’s approach to dissent.
Community support for victims has surged, with volunteers delivering necessities, although authorities have tightly controlled public gatherings. The unrest surrounding the incident has highlighted long-standing frustrations over governance and safety in Hong Kong.
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