Key facts
- An independent committee investigating Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades will not seek statutory powers to compel witnesses.
- Committee chairman Justice David Lok Kai-hong stated that seeking statutory powers would delay the investigation and complicate criminal proceedings.
- Lok argued that witnesses deemed liable might not provide full and frank answers even if compelled.
- Survivors fear that key figures may avoid scrutiny due to the committee's decision.
An independent committee investigating Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades has decided against seeking statutory powers to compel witnesses to testify. Committee chairman Justice David Lok Kai-hong stated that such a move would delay the ongoing investigation into last year’s Wang Fuk Court blaze and prevent the committee from delivering its final report within the nine-month timeframe set since its establishment in December. Lok also expressed concerns that a statutory commission of inquiry would complicate existing criminal proceedings and that witnesses deemed liable for the disaster might not provide complete or truthful answers. He assured the public that all decisions are based on legal principles and public interest, not political or public relations considerations. Some survivors, however, fear that this decision may allow key figures to avoid scrutiny.