The death toll from a fire in an apartment building in Hong Kong has risen. At least 55 people have died, and nearly 300 are missing.
The fire came as Hong Kong awaited the verdict in the case of media mogul Jimmy Lai, one of the city’s most prominent pro-democracy figures. Lai and hundreds of other activists face lengthy prison sentences on charges related to the national security law and protests.
Wide-ranging legislative changes since 2019 have significantly curtailed democratic voices and criticism of the authorities, with elections restricted to “patriotic” candidates. The next Legislative Council elections are scheduled for December 7.
