Occupy Central founder Benny Tai 'not ruling out' legal challenge to HKU's decision to punish him over handling of donations

Occupy Central co-founder Benny Tai Yiu-ting says he will not rule out mounting a legal challenge against his employer, the University of Hong Kong, for its decision to punish him over the donations he handled.

Speaking on the sidelines of a media event yesterday, Tai, an associate law professor at HKU, said he had not yet received a formal letter about the penalties, although HKU vice chancellor Professor Peter Mathieson had verbally briefed him.

While Tai did not give details, the Post learnt the council would impose a three-year ban on him assuming managerial posts, receiving donations and supervising researchers at the institution.

READ MORE: Occupy Central founder banned from supervising researchers for three years

"I believe the university is also consulting legal opinion in how to draft the letter to me, because there may be a judicial review," Tai said.

He said it was "too early to say" whether he would eventually mount such a review against the council, HKU's governing body, adding he would need to consider other factors including the possible impact on HKU and on himself.

"I am a JR expert. Even if I do not seek a judicial review, I am seriously considering using the case for my students' exams or tutorials," he said.

The punishment stems from an HKU internal inquiry into the HK$1.45 million in donations he and other scholars received and used over two years. Some of the money was used for organising a referendum for Occupy.