Post-fire attempts to destabilize Hong Kong will be punished: authorities

HONG KONG, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The anti-China forces who attempt to exploit the deadly fire in the residential complex Wang Fuk Court to disrupt Hong Kong will be brought to justice, the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) said on Wednesday.

When help, support and donations from home and abroad poured into the HKSAR, the anti-China forces were exploiting the tragedy and fanning antagonism in cold blood, said a spokesperson for the office, adding that these acts trampled on social morality and inflicted more pain on those affected by the fire.

Instead of helping, these rioters maliciously attacked and thwarted rescue and disaster-relief efforts, seeking to efface the HKSAR government's hard work, said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson warned the rioters that any words or actions aiming to destabilize Hong Kong will be punished in accordance with the law.

Also on Wednesday, the HKSAR government denounced anti-China media outlets and anti-China forces for making unfounded and smearing remarks about the HKSAR government's relief work on and investigations into the Wang Fuk Court fire.

"We will not condone any person who attempts to sabotage or interfere with the rescue work. Wherever they are, the HKSAR government will make every effort in pursuing them in accordance with the law and make sure that justice is done," said a spokesperson for the HKSAR government. ■