The deadly apartment building fire that claimed 160 lives in Hong Kong recently has launched a debate over construction safety, lax regulatory enforcement, and the failures that allowed such a catastrophe to unfold. The city's leaders ordered an investigation into the cause of the fire and police have made several arrests of individuals suspected of negligence. In the recent past, such steps would have been seen as the initial moves in a process of public accountability that would be scrutinized, debated, and grilled by an outspoken press, civic groups and elected representatives. But in the Hong Kong of today, the response to the tragedy reveals something more disturbing. The city now operates under a political setting indistinguishable from that of mainland China. The island country once known for free speech, civil society, and grassroots community activism has been replaced by a firm deference to Beijing determined to silence independent voices that dare to question the official narrative.
The tragedy didn't only expose the weaknesses in building safety, it confirmed that Hong Kong was now governed by Beijing. Gone is the public debate criticizing fire code enforcement to demands for transparency about how aging residential towers are maintained. Scrutiny and compassion have been replaced with mandates and oppression.
The Hong Kong National Security Law imposed by China fundamentally changed the city's political and legal landscape. This "law" was passed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee and inserted into Hong Kong's basic law. Hong Kong's legislature had no say in the matter. None.
The NSL, to say the least, is controversial. Terms like subversions and collusion are loosely defined, allowing wide discretion in enforcement. Peaceful political activity, journalism, or advocacy can fall under the law. Peaceful political activity? Like a protest? Wasn't that what was happening in Tiananmen Square in 1989? The entire world knows how that turned out...
Much of the direction of how the high-rise apartment fire is being handled is undoubtedly coming from the Office for Safeguarding National Security which is staffed by mainland officials in Hong Kong. And, of course, the law overrides local law if there is a conflict. Why even have local laws?...
One very interesting and, might I say peculiar aspect about the NSL is that it claims jurisdiction over any person anywhere in the world, even non-residents, for actions or statements about Hong Kong. Has China single-handedly decided to relinquish the entire world of right to free speech? Take it up with America, Xi, and lotsa luck.
Since the NSL took effect, pro-democracy groups, parties and organizations have been disbanded. Many activists have been arrested, jailed, or gone into exile. Elections have been restructured so only "patriots" approved by Beijing can run. Independent media outlets have shut down (most notably Apple Daily). Journalists, media outlets and NGO's now operate under self-censorship. Large-scale protests that were common before 2020 have effectively disappeared.
The United States, the United Kingdom, the EU and others say the law violates the Sino-British Declaration. No surprise there. Several countries imposed sanctions, ended extradition treaties, or offered immigration pathways to Hong Kong residents. China rejects criticism, arguing the law restored stability and order. No surprise there either.
The fire of the Wang Fuk Court high-rise towers was a tragedy of immense proportions. Authorities have detained people suspected of safety violations, including issues with fire alarms and construction materials. The fire has deeply affected the community and stirred public debate about building safety, regulatory enforcement, and emergency preparedness. Our hearts go out to the people of Hong Kong and those affected by this tragedy.
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