HKBU suspends student union over message urging justice for Wang Fuk Court fire victims

HONG KONG: Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has ordered the immediate suspension of its student union’s acting executive committee after a message expressing condolences for victims of the catastrophic Wang Fuk Court fire was posted on a campus notice board.

The blaze in Tai Po, which killed at least 159 people, is the city’s deadliest residential building fire since 1980.

University Cites Governance Issues, Students Question Motives

In a letter shared publicly on Friday (5 December), HKBU said it would take over the union’s facilities, citing inadequate representation and financial mismanagement.

The union dismissed these claims as arbitrary and suggested ulterior motives behind the sudden intervention.

It emphasised that the university’s action raises broader concerns about institutional overreach.

The controversy began when an unsigned message was seen on the student union–managed “democracy wall”, expressing sympathy for the fire victims and urging the government to “respond to public demands so justice can be done”.

The wall was subsequently sealed off with barricades, drawing attention from students who described the message as respectful and constructive.

Authorities Tighten Controls After Tragedy

The government has warned the public against actions deemed to be exploiting the tragedy, and at least three people have reportedly been arrested for sedition in the aftermath.

Historically, student unions played an influential political role, especially during the large-scale 2019 pro-democracy protests.

Many have since scaled down operations or dissolved entirely following the enforcement of the national security law.