Hong Kong Student Leaves Police Station After Fire Probe Arrest

A Hong Kong student, identified as Miles Kwan, left the Cheung Sha Wan Division police station on March 4, 2024, after reportedly being detained for distributing flyers advocating for an independent investigation into a tragic fire that resulted in the deaths of 146 individuals. Kwan, 24, was seen departing in a taxi, as confirmed by an Agence France-Presse (AFP) reporter present at the scene.

Kwan was one of several activists behind a petition addressing the deadly fire that erupted in a housing estate on February 28, 2024. The petition calls for government accountability, a thorough inquiry into potential corruption, appropriate resettlement for affected residents, and a reevaluation of construction oversight practices.

Local media reported that Kwan faced arrest by national security police on charges of “seditious intention,” according to unnamed sources. The police, however, did not officially confirm the arrest, stating they would “take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law.”

Kwan expressed his concerns about the implications of his actions during an interview with AFP prior to his release. “If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything anymore, and I can only do what I truly believe,” he stated.

The incident has intensified discussions regarding freedom of expression in Hong Kong, particularly in light of the ongoing scrutiny of national security laws. Many individuals and organizations are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the government concerning housing safety and the handling of emergencies.

The fire that sparked this controversy has drawn attention not only for its tragic loss of life but also for the broader implications it carries for civil liberties in the region. As Kwan and others continue to push for an independent investigation, the situation remains fluid, with many awaiting the government’s response to the petition and the events surrounding the fire.

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