Category: News

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, has immediately outlawed the local operations of two political organizations, the “Hong Kong Parliament” and the “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union,” citing the need to safeguard national security. The directive, authorized under Section 60(1) of the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, effectively designates both groups as prohibited organizations, triggering severe penalties for individuals who maintain affiliations or provide support.

The prohibition order was formally published on December 2, 2025, in Gazette Extraordinary No. 174 of 2025. This action follows a procedural requirement where the Secretary for Security provided written notice to both entities under Section 60(4) of the Ordinance, allowing them to submit counter-arguments. While the “Hong Kong Parliament” delivered representations before the mandated deadline, the “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union” failed to file a timely response.

Security Official Deems Bans Necessary

A spokesperson for the Security Bureau confirmed that all relevant information, including the arguments presented by the “Hong Kong Parliament,” was thoroughly reviewed before the final decision was made. The Secretary for Security concluded that the prohibition of both entities within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was essential for preserving national security, resulting in the gazetted order.

The spokesperson underscored the immediate implications of the designation, stressing that these groups are now classified as “prohibited organizations.” This classification activates stringent enforcement measures outlined in Sections 62 to 65 of the new security ordinance.

Severe Penalties for Affiliation and Support

The legislation strictly criminalizes involvement with these now-prohibited groups. Offenses include serving as an office-bearer or member, claiming an official position within the organization, conducting activities on its behalf, or attending its meetings. Furthermore, inciting others to join, or providing any form of assistance or financial aid, is also subject to prosecution.

The consequences for conviction are severe. Individuals found guilty face potential incarceration for up to 14 years and a maximum fine of HK$1,000,000.

Enforcement and Public Warning

Authorities describe endangering national security as a grave offense that carries potentially devastating consequences for the city’s stability. The police have publicly committed to rigorous enforcement of the law pertaining to these organizations.

Officials are urging the public to be cautious, advising citizens to refrain from contravening the ordinance, avoid participation in any activities associated with the prohibited organizations, and completely sever all ties or links to the groups.

This dual prohibition marks a significant enforcement application of the region’s latest national security law, signaling the government’s commitment to swiftly addressing groups deemed threats to state security. As enforcement intensifies, legal experts suggest the public should review the scope of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to fully understand the restrictions on political and organizational involvement.

Hong Kong authorities have activated 10 dedicated hotlines, effective immediately, appealing to the public for video and photographic evidence related to the recent Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. The proactive measure aims to bolster the ongoing investigation into the incident, utilizing community assistance to gather vital visual information that may clarify the circumstances surrounding the blaze.

The specialized evidence-gathering effort was announced on December 2, 2025, by the Hong Kong Police Force. These temporary communication channels are specifically designated for receiving materials, such as smartphone footage or still photographs, captured by residents or witnesses near the site of the conflagration.

Request for Visual Submissions

The investigation team is seeking visual records that could help piece together the timeline and potential origins of the fire at the residential complex. The public is strongly encouraged to review their records and submit any relevant multimedia content.

Dedicated Hotline Details:

The 10 designated telephone numbers for submitting visual evidence—and strictly for this purpose—are operational daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

• Evidence Submission Hotlines: 5337 6671, 5337 6672, 5337 6673, 5337 6674, 5337 6675, 5337 6676, 5337 6677, 5337 6679, 5337 6680, and 5337 6681.

Officials emphasized that these numbers are solely for the submission of digital evidence. Officers will process the information received, integrating public submissions with official evidence collected at the scene.

Differentiating Inquiry Lines

Police officials stressed the importance of using the correct contact method based on the inquiry type. While the 10 hotlines are exclusively for gathering footage and images, inquiries regarding individuals affected or injured in the fire must be directed to a separate official channel.

Casualty Information Line:

For members of the public seeking information regarding casualties or injured persons stemming from the Wang Fuk Court fire, the Police Casualty Enquiry Line remains available at 1878 999. This dedicated number ensures that relatives and concerned citizens receive timely information and avoids clogging the evidence submission lines.

This collaborative approach highlights the police force’s reliance on community engagement and visual technology to enhance the accuracy and scope of complex investigations. The prompt establishment of these dedicated hotlines underscores the significance of the case and the urgency of gathering comprehensive details to determine the cause of the Tai Po incident. Future updates on the investigation’s progress will depend heavily on the quality and volume of public submissions.

A serious industrial incident occurred Monday afternoon at an electrical manufacturing facility within the Tai Po Industrial Estate, Hong Kong, resulting in injuries to two construction workers who fell approximately five meters into mechanical equipment. The accident, which prompted an immediate response from emergency rescue teams, took place on Dai Shun Street just before 2 p.m. local time, leading police to launch an investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the fall and the safety protocols at the site.

Rescue Teams Respond to Factory Incident

The alert was received by authorities at 1:58 p.m. local time on Monday, reporting that two individuals had plunged a significant distance into machinery at the factory. Rescue personnel were rapidly dispatched to the scene, where they began the critical task of extricating the injured workers.

Preliminary reports indicate the accident is being formally classified as an industrial accident. The nature of the mechanical equipment involved and the details leading up to the fall from the estimated five-meter height remain the central focus of the ongoing police inquiry.

Adding a human element to the swift response, a third worker who reportedly witnessed the incident attempted to render assistance immediately following the fall. The condition of the injured workers has not been immediately released, though the severity of a fall from that height into active or stationary machinery suggests potential for significant trauma.

Examining Workplace Safety in Hong Kong

Industrial accidents, particularly those involving falls from height or machinery entanglement, represent a perennial challenge in the construction and manufacturing sectors globally, including in densely populated industrial hubs like Hong Kong. Falls are consistently cited as a leading cause of severe injury and fatality in these environments.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (OSHO) in Hong Kong, employers bear the legal responsibility of providing a safe working environment, adequate training, and proper safety equipment, particularly when employees are working at elevated positions or near hazardous operational machinery. This incident will undoubtedly trigger a thorough review by the Labour Department regarding potential safety breaches, equipment maintenance records, and worker training compliance at the Dai Shun Street facility.

Key safety measures mandated for preventing such severe incidents often include:

• Guardrails and physical barriers around elevated work areas and open machinery.
• The use of individual fall arrest systems (harnesses and lifelines) when working at heights over a certain threshold.
• Mandatory lockout/tagout procedures to ensure machinery is completely de-energized before maintenance or work takes place near hazardous moving parts.

Broader Implications and Next Steps

The consequences of this accident extend beyond the immediate physical injuries. Such incidents often result in significant operational shutdowns, extensive regulatory fines, and potential legal action against the responsible parties, reinforcing the crucial need for rigorous adherence to safety standards.

Authorities at the Tai Po Industrial Estate are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses, providing clarity on exactly how the workers fell and whether the incident was the result of equipment malfunction, procedural failure, or a lapse in safety management. This case serves as a stark reminder to all industrial operators of the critical importance of proactive risk assessment and maintaining a robust, zero-tolerance safety culture to protect personnel working in high-risk environments.

HONG KONG — A highly anticipated community press conference organized to scrutinize high-rise building repair regulations following the deadly No. 5-alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po was abruptly canceled Tuesday morning, according to organizers. The session, intended to address victim support, rehousing efforts, and calls for an independent investigation into the recent tragedy, was scrapped after the organizers reportedly received an unexplained notification from a government department.

The cancellation introduces further complexity to the public safety debate raging in Hong Kong, which has intensified since the fatal blaze. The canceled briefing was set to tackle critical municipal issues, including regulatory oversight of large-scale building renovations, allegations concerning substandard construction materials, and persistent concerns over malpractice in tendering and bid-rigging for maintenance projects.

Focus Shifts Amid National Security Developments

The immediate cancellation coincided with separate, concurrent developments involving the city’s National Security Department. Bruce Liu Sing-lee, chairman of the Hong Kong Association for Democracy and People’s Livelihood (ADPL) and a former district councilor, confirmed he was invited to a meeting at a police station concerning the National Security Law. He was accompanied by political commentator Wong On-yin.

Wong later indicated on his social media account that he had been involved in organizing the now-scrapped press event and had met with national security officers before being permitted to leave. The connection, if any, between the government notification that led to the briefing’s cancellation and the National Security Department’s actions remains unconfirmed.

The scheduled agenda was broad, aiming to examine urban planning, tall-building maintenance safety, and the involvement of regulatory bodies like the Competition Commission and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Expected attendees included multiple ADPL and Democratic Party figures, civic representatives, and an urban planner, according to a media notice issued Monday.

Calls for Accountability Intensify

On Tuesday morning, organizers issued a brief statement to media outlets confirming the cancellation due to a “departmental notification.” They declined to identify the governmental authority involved or disclose the content of the instruction.

The move comes amid intense public and political scrutiny of the city’s building renovation and regulatory framework. The Wang Fuk Court fatality has brought to light allegations that potentially non-compliant, fire-resistant netting may have been utilized during exterior repair works. Public demands for a formal inquiry to identify systemic regulatory failures across the construction and maintenance sectors have grown substantially.

Adding to the tense atmosphere, national security officers have already arrested three individuals on suspicion of incitement related to the fire’s aftermath, reflecting a period of heightened enforcement activity in response to the disaster. As calls for transparency and accountability mount, the sudden silencing of a key community dialogue underscores the complex pressures facing public discourse on safety and governance in Hong Kong. Without a formal community forum, future efforts to review and reform critical building safety regulations may be channeled exclusively through government-led processes.

In a deeply moving and structured ceremony, family members and hundreds of Hong Kong firefighters gathered today at Wang Fuk Court to observe the seventh-day tribute for fallen colleague Ho Wai-ho, honoring a traditional rite following his death on December 2, 2025. The solemn roadside observance provided a moment for the community to mourn, reflect, and pay respects through traditional rituals, reinforcing the tight-knit bonds within the city’s emergency services.

The observance, held midday, drew an immense crowd, including immediate relatives and uniformed personnel. According to Chinese traditions, the seventh day following a death is a significant marker for remembrance. Family members initiated the tribute, lighting incense, offering deep bows, and placing pristine white flowers—symbolizing purity and grief—along the grassy verge and safety fencing near the estate. The delicate bouquets quickly formed a cascading line, marking the site with reverence.

Rituals and Community Support

Accompanying the family were Buddhist monks, who performed traditional chanting of sutras. These religious rites are fundamental to the observance, intending to provide peace and guidance for the departed spirit.

The atmosphere shifted as large contingents of Ho’s colleagues from the Fire Services Department began arriving. Scores of firefighters, many carrying white flowers, approached the site with professional solemnity and remarkable composure. Organized in formation, they maintained a dignified, silent vigil as they waited for the family to complete the initial offerings. This mass turnout underscored the powerful sense of fraternity inherent in firefighting, demonstrating collective grief and unwavering respect for their lost member.

Implications for Emergency Services

The event highlights not only the personal tragedy experienced by Ho’s family but also the high emotional toll exacted on Hong Kong’s emergency responders. Firefighters routinely face extreme danger, and tributes like this act as crucial communal processing mechanisms, allowing colleagues to share grief and reinforce mutual support systems.

While offering few public statements, the unified presence of the Fire Services Department spoke volumes about their commitment to honoring those who make the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the city. The incident is a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with public service and is expected to prompt further discussions within the department regarding operational safety and peer support resources.

Moving forward, the department and the wider community will continue supporting Ho’s family as funeral arrangements proceed, ensuring that his sacrifice remains recognized within the fabric of Hong Kong’s emergency services legacy. Memorial funds and permanent tributes are often discussed in the wake of such tragedies, aiming to establish enduring recognition for fallen heroes.

Hong Kong residents and visitors are preparing for one of the year’s most spectacular celestial events: the annual Geminid meteor shower. Activity is slated to peak dramatically overnight between December 14th and December 15th, offering stargazers the potential to witness up to 150 meteors per hour under optimal conditions. The Hong Kong Space Museum confirmed that the prime viewing window spans approximately 11 hours, commencing at 4 p.m. on the 14th and concluding at 3 a.m. on the 15th.

Understanding the Geminids’ Appeal

The Geminids are highly regarded among astronomers and casual observers alike for their distinct characteristics. Unlike most meteor showers that originate from cometary debris, the Geminids trace their lineage back to asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As Earth traverses the trail of dust and rock fragments shed by this object, these particles ignite upon entering our atmosphere, radiating outward from a point in the constellation Gemini—the shower’s namesake.

These meteors are famed for being bright, steady, and relatively slow-moving, rendering them exceptionally well-suited for naked-eye observation. No specialized equipment is required to enjoy the spectacle, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Maximizing Your Viewing Experience

To fully appreciate the Geminids’ breathtaking display, minimizing light pollution is critical. Specialists recommend seeking out locations that offer expansive, unobstructed views and are far away from urban glare. Maintaining night vision is also crucial; observers should avoid looking directly at artificial light sources.

For those planning an excursion, several well-known Hong Kong locations promise relatively low light levels and broad horizons:

• Sai Kung: Pak Tam Chung and the East Dam of High Island Reservoir.
• Lantau Island: Shek Pik and Shui Hau.
• Hong Kong Island: Shek O.
• New Territories: Tai Hang Tun Kite Flying Area.

While the meteors radiate from Gemini, experts stress that observers do not need to face a single direction; the streaks will be visible across the entire sky.

Tips for Astrophotography

Aspiring photographers can capture stunning images of the shower with careful preparation:

1. Equipment: Use a camera capable of long exposures paired with a wide-angle lens. A tripod is essential to ensure stability.
2. Settings: Focus manually on a bright star. Start with wide-open aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or wider) and a high ISO (e.g., ISO 800 or higher).
3. Exposure: Exposure times will vary based on whether a tracking mount is used. For non-tracked shots, longer exposures increase the chance of catching a streak. Utilizing a remote release or the camera’s timer will mitigate vibration, resulting in sharper star images.

A Moment for Reflection and Community

The annual return of the Geminid meteor shower offers a powerful reminder of nature’s awe-inspiring grandeur. For many residents, this moment of collective contemplation beneath the night sky may also carry deeper significance. Following recent tragic events, some Hongkongers may choose to gather on the 14th to reflect, remember those lost, and share a quiet moment of solace and solidarity amidst the city’s ongoing efforts toward recovery and support for affected families.

Witnessing the brilliance of the Geminids provides a unique opportunity for both scientific curiosity and shared human experience.

In Hong Kong, forensic investigators are continuing a rigorous recovery operation following the catastrophic high-rise fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has tragically claimed at least 151 lives. The intensive search, now in its fourth day, aims to provide closure for grieving families as officials work tirelessly to identify the remaining victims. The disaster underscores the critical need for advanced safety protocols in dense urban residential complexes.

The Disaster Victims Identification Unit (DVIU) returned to the compromised residential estate this morning, maintaining a methodical, safety-first approach essential for forensic clarity and humanitarian dignity. While 151 fatalities have been confirmed, 39 individuals remain formally unidentified, necessitating painstaking forensic work to confirm their identities.

Recovery Efforts Focus on Final Structures

Operational updates indicate that initial searches encompassing five residential blocks within the estate have been finalized. Attention has now shifted to the final structures: Wang Sun House and Wang Cheong House. Teams are conducting evidence-led examinations, moving systematically through badly damaged units.

By the end of today’s procedural phase, approximately three-quarters of Wang Sun House and one-quarter of Wang Cheong House had been thoroughly investigated. Although initial sweeps had not located further remains, DVIU personnel respectfully recovered multiple bodies shortly before midday, highlighting the challenging nature of the ongoing recovery effort.

Authorities emphasized their unwavering commitment to a multi-faceted approach involving rigorous forensic procedures, transparent public communication, and highly sensitive engagement with next of kin. This integrated strategy is crucial for mitigating the trauma experienced by families awaiting news of missing loved ones.

Multi-Agency Coordination Ensures Professionalism

Police, fire safety experts, and specialist forensic teams are coordinating closely on the ground to uphold the highest standards of public safety and professionalism throughout this sensitive operation. The coordination is vital for ensuring the structural integrity of the remaining buildings while facilitating the respectful retrieval of victims.

The immense scale of this tragedy highlights several critical urban planning and safety issues relevant to metropolitan areas globally:

• High-Density Risk: Fires in high-rise residential complexes present unique challenges for evacuation and containment.
• Identification Technology: The necessity for robust DNA and dental records systems is paramount in mass casualty incidents.
• Emergency Response Infrastructure: The capacity of local emergency services to manage disasters of this magnitude must be continuously reviewed and strengthened.

As the identification process progresses, the government assures the public that every effort is being made to bring names to all victims and offer compassionate support to the afflicted community. Further updates on the identification timeline and ongoing investigation into the fire’s cause are anticipated in the coming days. The focus remains on closure, accountability, and fortifying future public safety measures.

In the aftermath of the devastating No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, which has resulted in significant loss of life, a prominent legislator has publicly urged authorities to investigate the purported online circulation of sensitive images related to the deceased. Today, lawmaker Doreen Kong alerted the public and government officials to disturbing reports that photographs allegedly depicting the cremated remains of victims, complete with markers indicating death, were being shared across an unidentified online platform.

Kong stated via social media that she had personally reviewed the evidence, confirming the existence of at least two such photographs within a public discussion thread. She emphasized that the immediate distribution of such material constitutes a profound violation of respect for the deceased and their grieving families.

Call for Action Against Image Dissemination

The lawmaker issued a clear, two-pronged appeal designed to manage the ethical and legal fallout:

1. Government Investigation: Kong called upon relevant government agencies to immediately verify the authenticity of the highly sensitive images. If confirmed as genuine—material related to the Wang Fuk Court tragedy—she demanded a serious and rigorous investigation into the source and means of dissemination.
2. Platform and Public Intervention: She simultaneously appealed directly to the administrators of the online forum to promptly remove the offending posts. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of public restraint, urging citizens not to repost or share the gruesome content, maintaining the fundamental dignity owed to the victims.

Upholding Dignity in Tragedy

This incident underscores the ethical challenges surrounding digital media and disaster response. The government has previously stressed its commitment to ensuring all victims and their materials are handled with the utmost dignity, particularly during the forensic and investigative phases of major incidents. Officials maintain that the integrity of ongoing investigations, coupled with respect for the deceased, is paramount.

The dissemination of graphic photographs not only compounds the trauma for affected families but may also interfere with official inquiries. Law enforcement agencies typically treat the unauthorized sharing of sensitive or forensic material as a serious offense, particularly if it breaches privacy laws or involves evidence from a crime scene—or in this case, a major disaster.

Legal and Ethical Implications

This request highlights the ongoing need for rigorous enforcement against any illegal handling or distribution of sensitive personal information and tragedy-related content. For the public, tragedy demands empathy and restraint. Sharing images of human remains, regardless of the context, is widely considered unethical and, depending on the jurisdiction and specific content, may carry legal consequences related to digital voyeurism, privacy violations, or harassment.

Going forward, authorities are expected to confirm the status of the images and, if a breach occurred, implement measures to identify those responsible for the initial upload and distribution. The primary focus remains on supporting the victims’ families while ensuring ethical standards are upheld throughout the recovery and investigation into the devastating Tai Po fire.

Following the devastating Tai Po Wang Fuk Court inferno that reportedly claimed 151 lives, with 39 individuals still missing, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced an immediate, independent inquiry led by a judge. The formation of the commission, detailed ahead of Tuesday’s Executive Council meeting, aims to conduct an exhaustive fact-finding exercise to enforce accountability and implement “systematic reform” to prevent future catastrophes.

The Chief Executive stressed that the core goal of the inquiry is to transform profound tragedy into actionable change, ensuring every systemic failing is addressed and responsible parties are held fully accountable. Lee confirmed that the administration will provide the commission unfettered access to necessary data and committed to swiftly acting upon all recommendations. Law enforcement is mandated to pursue all detected criminal activity impartially, with Lee warning against any attempts to exploit the disaster to incite social disorder.

Eight Pillars of Systemic Reform

The announced inquiry will focus intensely on systemic deficiencies across eight priority areas central to Hong Kong’s building and safety practices:

• Construction Safety: Scrutinizing site safety protocols and routine maintenance practices in building works.
• Corruption Risks: Investigating potential conflicts of interest and collusion within relevant sectors.
• Material Integrity: Assessing the completeness of materials lists and the robustness of testing procedures for construction components.
• Regulatory Clarity: Defining the specific roles and responsibilities of both government bodies and professional practitioners.
• Procurement Ethics: Ensuring integrity and transparency within tendering processes.
• Fire System Oversight: Evaluating the effectiveness of building fire safety systems and regulatory oversight.
• Attribution of Responsibility: Clearly determining the causal factors and assigning responsibility for the deadly blaze.
• Legal Adequacy: Reviewing the sufficiency of existing legal penalties for safety infringements.

Upholding Governance Amidst Crisis

Despite the immense gravity of the situation, the Legislative Council election will proceed as scheduled on Dec. 7. Lee underscored that maintaining the rule of law and continuity of governance is paramount for stability and recovery. New legislators are deemed essential partners in reform, tasked with scrutinizing funding and enacting necessary legislation to fortify safety regimes. Relief operations, the Chief Executive affirmed, will not pause for the election and will be bolstered by the incoming legislature’s constitutional mandate.

Addressing public concerns about his continuation in office, Lee was resolute, stating that the current imperative is to correct systemic shortcomings rather than shirk responsibility. He vowed to pursue accountability relentlessly and close every loophole.

Senior officials from the Mainland, including Xia Baolong, have been briefed and expressed full confidence in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s relief management. Mainland authorities have offered comprehensive support, including medical assistance and drone technology, underscoring a collective determination to protect lives and rebuild with enhanced institutional resilience. This comprehensive investigation signals a pivotal moment for Hong Kong to overhaul its foundational safety and governance structures.

TAI PO, HONG KONG — Authorities are investigating the tragic death of a 38-year-old man who fell from a residential building in Tai Po late Monday night, Hong Kong Standard Time. The incident, classified by police as a “person falling from height,” occurred between Wang Fuk Court and Kwong Fuk Estate and is believed to be linked to the man’s struggles with mental health and family stress.

The emergency services received a distressing call around 10:30 p.m. on December 1st reporting that a man had suddenly plunged from an upper floor and was lying unresponsive on the ground. Fire and ambulance teams swiftly arrived at the scene. Despite prompt efforts, the man was certified deceased upon their arrival. The location of the fall was a public area nestled between the two adjoining housing developments.

Identifying the Deceased and Initial Police Findings

Police confirmed the identity of the deceased as a 38-year-old man surnamed So, who was a resident of Kwong Lai House within Kwong Fuk Estate. Initial investigations strongly suggest that Mr. So fell from the building where he resided.

Crucially, police have indicated that preliminary evidence rules out any connection between this tragedy and other recent incidents in the vicinity, including a major fire that occurred nearby. The focus of the ongoing inquiry centers on the circumstances surrounding the fall and the state of mind of the deceased.

Stress and Mental Health: A Contributing Factor

While the official police classification remains “person falling from height,” sources close to the investigation suggest that personal struggles may have preceded the tragic outcome. It is understood that Mr. So had reportedly been experiencing significant mental health challenges, potentially compounded by considerable stress related to his responsibilities caring for family members.

This incident underscores the pervasive, yet often invisible, pressure many individuals face in densely populated urban environments like Hong Kong, where the demands of caregiving can exacerbate existing mental health issues.

Support Resources for Mental Health

For residents grappling with emotional distress or suicidal ideation, immediate, confidential help is available. Seeking professional support is a critical step in managing stress and complex family situations.

• The Samaritans Hong Kong operates a 24-hour hotline for those in crisis.
• The Social Welfare Department provides numerous family and emotional support services across the territory.

Following the on-site investigation, arrangements were made for the coroner’s office to take custody of the body for further examination. The police investigation into the full circumstances of the death is continuing. This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accessible mental health resources and robust support systems for caregivers throughout the community. Protecting community well-being requires continuous vigilance and support for those under tremendous pressure.