A student detained for distributing flyers demanding an independent probe into a deadly Hong Kong fire has left a police station
HONG KONG: A student reportedly detained after calling for an independent investigation into a fire that killed 146 people has left a police station.
Miles Kwan departed the Cheung Sha Wan Division police station in a taxi on Monday afternoon.
The 24-year-old nodded at reporters from the vehicle but made no comment.
Kwan was involved in a petition concerning last Wednesday’s blaze at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate.
The fire is the world’s deadliest residential building fire since 1980.
The petition demands official accountability, an independent corruption probe, proper resident resettlement, and a review of construction oversight.
Local media reported Kwan was arrested for “seditious intention” by national security police.
Reports also stated two others, including former district councillor Kenneth Cheung, were similarly arrested.
Police declined to confirm the arrests when asked by AFP.
They stated they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.
Kwan previously said he was only “proposing very basic demands”.
“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything anymore,” he told AFP on Friday.
Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has arrested 11 people in connection to the blaze.
Three of those individuals were also arrested by police for manslaughter.
Mourners continued to leave notes near Wang Fuk Court on Monday.
“Rest in peace, Hong Kongers don’t give up on freedom and truth, don’t stop being angry,” one unsigned note read.
Another stated, “Hope your deaths were not in vain, the truth must come out for your sakes.” – AFP
