A Hong Kong court has convicted social worker Jackie Chen on charges of rioting for her involvement in the 2019 anti-government protests. The verdict, announced on Tuesday, overturned a previous acquittal in 2020, following an appeal by Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice. This case highlights the ongoing crackdown on political dissent in the Chinese territory.
Chen had argued that she attended the protests to mediate between police and demonstrators, using a loudspeaker to urge police to remain calm and avoid using weapons. However, prosecutors contended that she actively participated in a riot. Deputy District Judge May Chung ruled that Chen made unfounded accusations against the police, shouting “provocative” words that suggested excessive force had been used. The judge stated that Chen’s actions and words supported the protesters, boosting their determination to resist the police.
Chen pleaded not guilty but was found guilty. Before the verdict, she told reporters she had no regrets and had spent five years preparing for this outcome. “I hope all the people I know will live healthy, they will live happy because we still have our road to walk along,” she said. After the ruling, she reassured her supporters in the courtroom, shouting that she would be fine. She is scheduled to be sentenced in April.
While Hong Kong law allows for a maximum 10-year sentence for rioting, District Court rulings are capped at seven years. Chen’s case has drawn attention due to her limited role in the 2019 protests, which were the largest challenge to Beijing’s rule over Hong Kong since the city’s handover from the UK in 1997. The protests initially opposed an extradition bill but later expanded into broader demands for democracy and police accountability.
In response, Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law, leading to the prosecution of numerous activists. Authorities claim the law has restored stability. Last year, a court sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to prison terms of up to 10 years in the first mass sentencing since the law was enacted.
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