REPORTER:  

Here at Taipei’s Liberty Plaza, people are remembering the victims of last week’s devastating fire in Hong Kong, laying down flowers in tribute to the scores of people killed.

REPORTER:  

At least 159 people died and hundreds remain missing after one of the biggest fires in the city’s history ripped through the Wong Fuk Court apartment complex. In Taipei, prayers were folded into origami cranes and placed in the shape of Hong Kong. Organizers say the vigil gives Hong Kongers a place to come together and mourn.

WANG FUK COURT FIRE MEMORIAL CONCERN GROUP (ORGANIZER):  

The fire is a collective trauma for Hong Kongers. Many friends in Taiwan may not understand  

[our connection to this tragedy]. In Hong Kong, more than half of people live in housing very similar to Wang Fuk Court. I believe in a moment like this there needs to be someone who can stand up and create a space for people to grieve together.

REPORTER:  

And while the mood here is solemn, anger and frustration lay just beneath the surface. Taiwan is home to a large community of Hong Kongers, many of whom came after China clamped down on the city’s freedoms. Some attendees said while they want justice for the fire victims, they’re afraid to speak up because of pressure from Beijing.

Hong Kong Attendee:  

I feel helpless. Our initial motive was to help the residents fight for their rights and to understand the truth [behind the fire]. But it seems that things are... how should I put it? Becoming politicized.

Hong Kong Attendee:  

I was very sad the first day [after hearing the news] because I have friends and friends of friends who lived there. When information came out the next day I was told that some friends of friends have died. Some students in Hong Kong want to talk about it but can’t. There’s no freedom of speech [in Hong Kong].

Taiwanese Attendee:  

In Hong Kong, some opinions are sometimes restricted by the government. That would not happen in Taiwan. I think people in Taiwan should cherish this opportunity and welcome Hong Kongers to hold events like this safely without Beijing’s influence.

REPORTER:  

On Saturday night, politics took a backseat in Taipei as attendees from Hong Kong and Taiwan remembered those injured or killed.

REPORTER:  

This downtown plaza has witnessed countless protests and vigils, and now, it’s offering a safe place for people whose hearts break for the tragedy in Hong Kong to heal in solidarity.