Rights Group Calls for Press Freedom Amid Hong Kong Fire Tragedy

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to respect press freedom following the recent tragic fire incident in Hong Kong. The organization called for the immediate release of news commentator Wong Kwok-ngon, who was arrested on December 6, 2023, as well as an end to the harassment of journalists covering the story. The CPJ emphasized the need for unrestricted media access to information about the fire that claimed at least 159 lives.

Wong’s arrest was reported to be linked to allegations of posting content that incited “hatred” with “seditious intention.” His detention coincided with a warning issued by the Office for Safeguarding National Security to foreign media, including The New York Times and Agence France-Presse, against disseminating false information. According to CPJ Asia-Pacific Director Beh Lih Yi, the increasing intimidation aimed at silencing the media is both “appalling and unacceptable.”

On November 26, 2023, a devastating fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court Estate, affecting seven high-rise towers. Residents have raised concerns about ongoing construction work and safety practices, including contractors allegedly smoking near scaffolding. The Labour Department has penalized the Prestige construction company at least 12 times for violations of industrial safety regulations.

Chinese authorities have stated that parts of the debris-catching mesh and foam boards used in the construction did not meet fire-safety standards and were deemed “highly flammable.” They also noted that contractors mixed substandard materials with higher-quality ones to mislead inspectors.

In response to the tragedy, Human Rights Watch has called for the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the fire. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, announced plans to set up an independent committee to explore the causes of the fire and the rapid spread of flames. He assured that a judge would lead the committee to ensure both independence and credibility.

Lee stated, “In order to avoid similar tragedies again, I will set up a judge-led independent committee to examine the reasons 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 added that criminal proceedings would continue alongside this investigation.

As of now, Hong Kong police have arrested 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter and another 12 individuals in connection with corruption probes related to the fire incident. The ongoing developments underscore the urgent need for accountability and transparency in the aftermath of this tragedy.