Hong Kong social worker body removes committee member accused of rioting in 2019
Jackie Chen, who has been on the committee’s reserve panel since December 2022, is not among candidates considered, body’s chairman says
A Hong Kong social worker accused of rioting during the anti-government protests in 2019 has been removed from the disciplinary committee of the statutory body overseeing the profession.
Herman Hui Chung-shing, chairman of the Social Workers Registration Board, confirmed on Tuesday that Jackie Chen Hung-sau was not among the candidates recommended to join the regulator’s disciplinary committee reserve panel, where she held a position since December 2022.
Chen was acquitted in 2021 as the court ruled prosecutors had failed to establish a prima facie case against her. But the Court of Appeal earlier allowed the case to proceed.
The social work watchdog underwent a controversial revamp in July, following accusations from the authorities that the board had failed to take firm action to prevent people convicted of national security offences from registering to join the profession.
Hui said members of the disciplinary committee must have a “whiter than white” background.
“We have to maintain the image of the committee, ensuring all members have no baggage and can make an independent, impartial, and fair judgment,” he said.