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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.