Tai Po Fire Probe: Judge Sets Hearing Protocol in Feb 5 Public Session

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A Hong Kong judge leading the independent ⁣review committee investigating last‍ November’s deadly Tai ‍Po fire will set the direction for future hearings at a public session in early February, the government has said.

High ‍Court Judge David‍ Lok will give directions on a range of matters, including “identifying individuals or organisations… ⁢who intend to attend the ⁤hearings,” the language to be used, the methods for submitting witness ⁢statements and documents, as well as other hearing-related ⁢matters, authorities said on Tuesday.

Lok will outline his vision at a “direction conference,” which will be open to the public, scheduled for February 5, the government said in a statement. The conference will be ⁣conducted in cantonese at the City Gallery in Central,while simultaneous interpretation in Putonghua ⁢and English ⁤will be‍ provided.

“There will not be any presentation of evidence or examination ⁢of witnesses ⁣at the direction ⁢conference,” the government said.

There will be around 400 seats available for the public and 50 seats for the⁣ media, the ⁢government said, adding‍ that some additional members of the public will⁢ be able to observe the conference via a broadcast.

The public seats will be reserved for those who‍ complete an online pre-registration⁢ form⁣ on a first-come, f