Student expelled after calling for probe into Hong Kong’s deadliest fire that claimed 168 lives
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 14, 2026
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A university student in Hong Kong has been expelled for advocating an independent investigation into one of the deadliest fires in the city's history, which claimed 168 lives. Miles Kwan, a 24-year-old CUHK student, was removed from the institution after accumulating demerits for his activism, including calling university disciplinary panels biased and distributing flyers that questioned government accountability following the November 2025 Wang Fuk Court fire.
Kwan had previously led a petition demanding scrutiny over safety certifications and construction oversight failures. He also faced charges related to past activism, including placing stickers to mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. While authorities have not directly linked his expulsion to his fire-related activism, Kwan's case has sparked broader debates about academic freedom and political expression.
The Wang Fuk Court tragedy has prompted widespread calls for transparency. A judge-led inquiry is now investigating safety procedures and accountability for the disaster. Critics worry whether this process will be independent enough to address public concerns. Meanwhile, victims' families continue to seek answers, and Kwan's expulsion has highlighted tensions between dissent and academic authority in Hong Kong.
This controversy raises important questions about the limits of free expression in the aftermath of such tragedies. As authorities work to ensure public safety, the case of Miles Kwan underscores the challenges faced by activists advocating for transparency and accountability in high-profile incidents.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026