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Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.