Note to western journalists: don’t suck up PRC propaganda. Bamboo scaffolding is widely regarded as safe - a craft in Hong Kong of which they’re rightly proud. Early indications are that the netting was the cause of this tragedy.
If anyone is wondering why the PRC is interested in pushing anti-bamboo scaffolding propaganda (which the Hong Kong Government is now also pushing - for those who can read Chinese, see graphic): scaffolding works is one of the last bastions of construction work in which Chinese State-Owned construction companies/ property developers and their preferred building contractors have not yet managed to get a foothold in Hong Kong, because bamboo scaffolding is not the standard in the PRC.
The “bamboo scaffolding caused the fire” narrative is not only factually wrong, it reflects a prejudice against in-situ craft and HK's own construction traditions. The fire started with the netting. The bamboo is still intact. We deserve better reporting. @BBCWorld
Man pushed to the ground in Hong Kong for simply holding a flower (via @dannydvincent)
“Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of speech…freedom of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration”
Basic Law, Article 27.
Jimmy Lai had been detained in #HongKong for over 2 years.
Today (Dec 8) is his birthday.
What do you like to tell him? if he can see this?
#FreeJimmyLai#StandWithHongKong
Students from #HongKong studying in the UK are still living in fear of persecution by the #HongKong police for their participation in pro-democracy protests in 2019 - never revealing to their friends the real reason they moved to the UK. #FreeHongKong https://t.co/dm6l1sFG9v