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The UN human rights chief has expressed “deep concern” over this Hong Kong’s alleged use Harsh security laws against people demanding investigation More than 160 people died in the deadly fire late last month.
Volker Turk said on Wednesday that while the Chinese city’s administration had launched a criminal investigation, they had stopped short of forming an investigative commission with full investigative powers.
a terrible fire broke out Wang Fuk Court On 26 November, an explosion at a residential complex in Tai Po killed at least 160 people and left six missing.
Subsequently, the police arrested 15 people, including construction company officials and an engineer, on suspicion of murder.
Families devastated by the city’s deadliest fire in decades were reportedly struggling to vent their anger as authorities warned against attempts to “exploit” the tragedy to “endanger national security” and detained four people.
they include one 71 year old man accused of publishing online video “Treasonous Intent”.
The only arrest of an elderly man was confirmed by the National Security Police. Others were detained.
In the first week after the disaster, police detained a university student miles quan For allegedly distributing leaflets demanding accountability for the fire.
He was charged with “seditious intent”, but was later released on bail.
Police did not confirm his arrest, but said they would take action “according to the actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.
A former district councilor and a volunteer handling supplies for victims of the fire were also arrested for allegedly inciting hatred towards the government.
Mr Turk said, “I am deeply concerned by reports that the region’s draconian security laws are being enforced against individuals who have publicly called for transparent and independent investigations, a review of construction inspections, government accountability and support for affected residents, among others.”
He said the people of Hong Kong were right to demand answers and accountability after a tragedy of such magnitude.
“In such tragic times, a space for discussion and debate on issues of major public interest and concern is more important than ever,” he said, urging city officials to “drop these cases against those who seek accountability.”
When Hong Kong’s Chief Executive was asked at a press conference last week why he deserved to keep his job after the massive fire john lee The question was avoided.
However, he pledged to take action against “anyone who dares to sabotage” the relief work.
China’s National Security Office warned people against using the 2019 disaster to “plunge Hong Kong back into chaos”, when Mass pro-democracy protests Challenged Beijing and created a political crisis.
“We strongly warn anti-China disintegrators who attempt to ‘disrupt Hong Kong through disaster,'” the office said in a statement.
“No matter what methods you use, you will definitely be held accountable and severely punished.”
Hong Kong’s security chief said he had “noticed that some people with malicious intentions have taken advantage of this painful moment for society, aiming to harm Hong Kong and national security”.
“Therefore, we must take appropriate action, including enforcement measures,” Chris Tang said.
After the fire, Mr Lee announced an independent committee to investigate its causes and review building practices. He also ordered the removal of mesh netting and bamboo scaffolding from an under-construction building after it was found that the material did not meet fireproof standards.