A 71-year-old man has been arrested in Hong Kong by the national security police on charges of posting ‘seditious’ content on social media in relation to the fire that broke out in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po. This is the first confirmed arrest in connection with criticism of the authorities over the high-rise fire in which at least 159 people died. Police allege that the man incited hatred against the Hong Kong and Beijing governments. “It was mainly (material intended to) incite hatred (others) towards the Hong Kong government and the central government,” Steve Li, chief superintendent of the police's national security department, told reporters. “For example, he pointed to the Hong Kong and central governments as instigators of exploiting the tragedy to cause chaos and unrest,” he added, “this is something totally impossible.” Local media reported other arrests earlier, but authorities have not confirmed them.
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