When university student Miles Kwan launched a petition demanding answers from Hong Kong authorities after one of the city's deadliest fires last week, he was arrested. The ferocious blaze had ravaged a densely populated housing estate in the northern Tai Po district, killing at least 159 people and displacing thousands. As public anger grew, the pro-Beijing authorities warned, repeatedly, against attempts to exploit the fire to endanger national security.
Kwan was reportedly arrested by Hong Kong national security police on suspicion of sedition. He is now on bail, according to local media. Police told the BBC that it would handle any action taken in accordance with the law and the actual circumstances.
There was also a strong public reaction to the arrest. To some, the decision to arrest him was baffling. To others, it was simply Beijing's playbook, replicated. The Hong Kong government says that it's about trying to protect rule of law in a testing moment for the city.
Ronny Tong, a member of Hong Kong's Executive Council, disputed the suggestion that Hong Kongers are being suppressed. The government is trying to be prudent, he tells the BBC. Regina Ip, another Hong Kong lawmaker, also defended the arrests, claiming that authorities are being extra careful that public anger does not lead to a recurrence of the 2019 riots.
Many questions linger among the residents, particularly regarding how the blaze could spread so rapidly and whether any government officials should be held responsible. Kwan's petition gathered over 10,000 signatures before being taken down, calling for accountability that echoed previous social movements.
Authorities have arrested 15 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter and are taking steps to ensure the safety regulations in the aftermath of the fire. The national security office in Hong Kong has reacted decisively, warning against any activities perceived as instigating unrest.
The political climate remains tense, with many residents feeling the government's measures might hinder genuine expressions of public sentiment. John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, pledged support for victims and a thorough investigation, yet questions about the underlying causes of such tragedies remain unresolved.
Kwan was reportedly arrested by Hong Kong national security police on suspicion of sedition. He is now on bail, according to local media. Police told the BBC that it would handle any action taken in accordance with the law and the actual circumstances.
There was also a strong public reaction to the arrest. To some, the decision to arrest him was baffling. To others, it was simply Beijing's playbook, replicated. The Hong Kong government says that it's about trying to protect rule of law in a testing moment for the city.
Ronny Tong, a member of Hong Kong's Executive Council, disputed the suggestion that Hong Kongers are being suppressed. The government is trying to be prudent, he tells the BBC. Regina Ip, another Hong Kong lawmaker, also defended the arrests, claiming that authorities are being extra careful that public anger does not lead to a recurrence of the 2019 riots.
Many questions linger among the residents, particularly regarding how the blaze could spread so rapidly and whether any government officials should be held responsible. Kwan's petition gathered over 10,000 signatures before being taken down, calling for accountability that echoed previous social movements.
Authorities have arrested 15 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter and are taking steps to ensure the safety regulations in the aftermath of the fire. The national security office in Hong Kong has reacted decisively, warning against any activities perceived as instigating unrest.
The political climate remains tense, with many residents feeling the government's measures might hinder genuine expressions of public sentiment. John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, pledged support for victims and a thorough investigation, yet questions about the underlying causes of such tragedies remain unresolved.
