Social worker convicted of rioting

Michael Shum

Social worker Jackie Chen Hung-sau was convicted of rioting on retrial at the District Court yesterday after she told police officers to stay calm and allow time for protesters to leave the riot scene through a loudspeaker during the 2019 city-wide protests.

The District Court originally ruled that Chen, now 48, has no case to answer for her rioting charge back in 2020, but the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the Department of Justice's appeal against the ruling and ordered a retrial.

Handing down her verdict yesterday, deputy district judge May Chung Ming-sun said Chen deliberately went to the scene, as she was in a black T-shirt, and also brought a loudspeaker and a respirator with her.

Chung said the police were in a standoff with protesters multiple times that night, and innocent passersby should have left the scene immediately, therefore those staying behind must be riot participants resisting police officers.

Not only did Chen not leave, but she also used her loudspeaker to yell untrue accusations toward police, which includes directly or indirectly implying the police advanced too quickly or used excessive force, according to Chung's verdict.

The words Chen yelled did not reflect the actual situation and were also provocative - aimed at encouraging protesters' emotions, making them even more hostile towards police officers - and Chen was fully aware and still chose to do it, Chung added.

Chen encouraged protesters to continue their assembly, and make them feel that someone is speaking for them, while also delaying the police's advancement.

Despite Chen standing in closer proximity to the police, Chen's action and speech showed connection with protesters. If Chen wanted to calm the atmosphere, she would not have been biased.

The only reasonable theory is that Chen had the intention to participate in the riot, and assembled with the protesters, according to Chung, who therefore found Chen guilty.

Judge Chung adjourned the case until April 9 for mitigation. Chen will be remanded in custody until her next court appearance.

Chen's mother, who was also at the District Court yesterday, fell into tears upon hearing the verdict, while Chen yelled to her from the stands, saying: "Take good care of yourself."

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com