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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests 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 executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

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

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

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

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.