Hong Kong authorities have invited representatives of the international media to warn against "spreading false information and slander" about the fire that killed more than 150 people, China's National Security Directorate said.
The agency said some recent reports in foreign media "have ignored facts, spread false information" and "incited social discord and confrontation".
Bloomberg, whose journalists attended the meeting, said the authorities did not provide specific examples of false information and slander. An official at the meeting, which was also attended by Bloomberg News journalists, used a Chinese expression equivalent to “don't say you weren't warned“.
According to the agency, the meeting took place against the backdrop of the upcoming Hong Kong election, scheduled for December 7. Voter turnout will be monitored by authorities, Bloomberg reported. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, who promised to set up an independent commission after the fire, said he decided to hold the vote as scheduled to “ensure social stability“.
The fire started on Wednesday, November 26, in one of the high-rise buildings of an apartment complex that housed approximately 4,800 residents. The fire quickly spread to seven of the eight towers and could not be fully extinguished until November 28. According to Bloomberg, at least 159 people have died.
The final cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Police have arrested several people on suspicion of manslaughter, including the general contractor, a consulting engineer and a subcontractor for the company that installed the scaffolding.