On December 2, 2025, a tragic fire at the Hung Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong resulted in significant casualties. As of this afternoon, the death toll has risen to 156, with 29 bodies yet to be identified and about 30 people missing. Additionally, a press conference organized by Hong Kong citizens regarding high-rise maintenance policies was abruptly canceled, and several individuals, including the chairman of a civil party, were summoned by the police.
Following the fire in Hong Kong, demands for accountability have been ongoing, with calls from various sectors for an “independent investigation” repeatedly suppressed by the authorities.
The Hong Kong Democratic Development Association (DDA) had planned to hold a “Citizens’ Press Conference on Hong Kong High-rise Maintenance Policies” this afternoon to discuss support for the victims, the establishment of an independent investigation committee, government engineering supervision, bidding issues, and more. Participants were supposed to include DDA chairman Liu Chengli, urban planner and member of the Hong Kong Democratic Party Central Committee Wu Yonghui, policy researchers, current affairs commentator Wang Anran, and DDA Secretary-General Guo Weicheng.
However, this morning, the organizers notified the media at short notice that the press conference had to be canceled, citing that “a department had instructed the cancellation,” without revealing which department. Simultaneously, reports emerged that Liu Chengli, Wang Anran, and others were “invited for a meeting” by the National Security Department of the police.
Around 3 pm, Liu Chengli left the Yuen Long Police Station. During a brief media interview, he disclosed that he had signed a “confidentiality agreement” regarding the content of the meeting with the National Security Department, thus unable to divulge specific details. Liu emphasized that his meeting with the National Security Department in Yuen Long was a “communication process,” and he did not feel censored, as individuals in Hong Kong can still openly express their opinions. He also stated that in the future, all civil groups must be “appropriate” when expressing their opinions.
Furthermore, online radio show host Wang Anran confirmed meeting with personnel from the National Security Department and has since left.
Earlier, citizens had initiated a petition in response to the Hung Fuk Court fire, presenting the “Four Demands,” which include an independent investigation.
One of the initiators, Miles Kwang, was arrested by the Hong Kong Police National Security Department on November 29 on suspicion of “inciting with the intention of exploiting the fire,” and was subsequently released on bail on December 1. This incident has raised questions about the Hong Kong government’s attempts to suppress efforts to uncover the truth behind the fire.
Former District Councilor Zhang Jinxiong and a female volunteer from the scene of the fire have also been detained by the Hong Kong police on charges of “incitement.”