Prominent social worker Jackie Chen has been convicted of rioting in a Hong Kong court, following a retrial prompted by the government’s appeal against her initial acquittal. Chen, who pleaded not guilty, was found guilty by Deputy District Judge May Chung for her involvement in a rioting charge related to a 2019 incident during pro-democracy protests in the city. Despite not testifying during the retrial, Chen expressed her concern for her loved ones and supporters, stating, “Don’t worry. Take care of yourselves.” District Court Judge Sham Siu-man had initially cleared Chen of the rioting charge in 2020, but the Justice Department appealed against this ruling. Chen, known for her social work and disaster relief efforts, faces potential disqualification from her profession following the conviction.
