Rights Group Demands Press Freedom in Hong Kong After Deadly Fire

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to release news commentator Wong Kwok-ngon and to cease the harassment of journalists following a deadly fire incident in Hong Kong. The CPJ’s statement on December 4, 2023, comes in the wake of Wong’s arrest on December 6, where he was accused of posting content that allegedly provoked “hatred” with “seditious intention.” This incident coincided with a warning issued by the Office for Safeguarding National Security to foreign media outlets, including The New York Times, Agence France-Presse, and The Wall Street Journal, about spreading false information.

According to Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia-Pacific Director, the ongoing intimidation tactics aimed at silencing the media are “appalling and unacceptable.” She emphasized the irony of authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong using national security as a reason to suppress journalists while the community grieves the tragic loss of life.

The fire, which occurred on November 26, 2023, devastated the Wang Fuk Court Estate, engulfing seven high-rise towers and resulting in at least 159 fatalities. Investigations revealed concerns regarding the ongoing construction at the site, including allegations that contractors were smoking near scaffolding. The Labour Department has previously penalized the Prestige construction company more than a dozen times for violations of industrial-safety regulations.

Chinese officials indicated that substandard materials were used in construction, with parts of the debris-catching mesh and foam boards failing to meet safety standards. These materials, they claimed, were “highly flammable.” Allegations surfaced that contractors blended lower-quality materials with higher-quality ones to mislead inspectors.

In response to the tragedy, Human Rights Watch has urged Hong Kong authorities to establish an independent commission to investigate the incident. This followed a promise from John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, to form an independent committee. He outlined eight key areas of inquiry, pledging to appoint a judge to lead this effort, thereby ensuring its independence and credibility.

Lee stated, “In order to avoid similar tragedies again, I will set up a judge-led independent committee to examine the reason behind the cause and rapid spreading of the fire. We must uncover the truth, ensure that justice is served, let the deceased rest in peace, and provide comfort to the living.” He also emphasized that criminal proceedings would continue in parallel with the committee’s work.

To date, Hong Kong police have arrested 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter, along with another 12 suspects involved in corruption investigations related to the fire. The authorities are under pressure to ensure accountability, especially as the community seeks answers and justice in the wake of such a devastating event.