Here’s a paraphrased version of the article while maintaining the core information and structure:
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alt="Getty Images A bouquet of flowers is seen in front of the Wang Fuk Court in the aftermath of the deadly fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district"
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<span class="sc-5340b511-2 jVqbAn">Getty Images</span>
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<p><figcaption class="sc-536eff7b-0 gnQokQ">The tragic fire in Tai Po has prompted widespread sorrow and outrage in Hong Kong</figcaption></p>
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<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">After a catastrophic fire, Miles Kwan, a university student, started a petition seeking accountability from Hong Kong officials but was arrested for sedition.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">The devastating fire in the densely populated Tai Po area resulted in at least 159 fatalities and displaced many, marking a significant challenge for the city reminiscent of the protests in 2019 over escalating Chinese control.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">The pro-Beijing government expressed concerns that public outrage could reignite large-scale protests, repeatedly cautioning against using the fire as a means to threaten national security.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Kwan's detainment was part of a broader crackdown under the contentious national security law affecting others who demanded government accountability.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">For some observers, this reaction raises questions; for others, it follows a familiar script from Beijing.</p>
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<p><h2 class="sc-f98b1ad2-0 gXmhTb">‘A Human Response to Tragedy’</h2></p>
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<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Once known for its vibrant civic activism, Hong Kong's response to the fire underscores its increasing alignment with mainland China, where criticisms of the government are swiftly silenced.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Ronny Tong, a member of the Executive Council, rejected claims that residents face suppression, asserting that the government is acting cautiously.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Regina Ip echoed this sentiment, mentioning that authorities are being vigilant to prevent a repeat of the unrest seen in 2019.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Critics argue that the sweeping national security legislation essentially curtails dissent, despite government claims of its necessity for maintaining order.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Kwan's petition gathered over 10,000 signatures within a day before being removed, mirroring the activist slogan from the 2019 protests.</p>
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alt="Getty Images A group of Muslim women look visibly distraught during an official mourning event for the victims of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire."
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<span class="sc-5340b511-2 jVqbAn">Getty Images</span>
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<p><figcaption class="sc-536eff7b-0 gnQokQ">Residents are eager to know if any government officials will be held accountable</figcaption></p>
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<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Following the fire, China's national security office quickly issued warnings against anyone attempting to incite "black terror," a term previously used to describe the 2019 protests.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">In a stern statement, it threatened action against "hostile foreign entities," emphasizing its commitment to maintaining order.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Chief Executive John Lee pledged justice against those who might impede relief efforts, reinforcing the government's stance.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Former district councillor Kenneth Cheung, one of those arrested under the national security law, stated that authorities took issue with his social media posts after the fire.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Many citizens are questioning how the fire spread so rapidly and whether government officials bear any responsibility.</p>
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alt="Getty Images John Lee, Hong Kong's chief executive, standing at the podium during a news conference on the fire"
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<span class="sc-5340b511-2 jVqbAn">Getty Images</span>
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<p><figcaption class="sc-536eff7b-0 gnQokQ">John Lee vows to ensure justice against those who thwart relief efforts</figcaption></p>
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<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">When questioned earlier this week about his job security following the fire, John Lee avoided the topic and focused on his commitment to holding accountable anyone obstructing relief efforts.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">As of now, no government officials have resigned or been implicated in the fire; the 15 arrests made for manslaughter included employees of construction companies and contractors.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Additionally, one woman was arrested for attempting to exploit the situation through a fraudulent fundraising effort.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">Some residents have expressed discontent about the scheduling of a Legislative Council election amidst the mourning, criticizing the government's focus on politics over the tragedy.</p>
<p class="sc-9a00e533-0 eZyhnA">"I believe it shows a lack of respect," said resident Trent Huang regarding the electoral proceedings during this sensitive time.</p>
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</div>This paraphrased version maintains the original’s essence while using different wording and structure.
