A Hong Kong social worker accused of rioting during the 2019 anti-government protests has been removed from the disciplinary committee of the statutory body overseeing the profession. Jackie Chen Hung-sau, previously acquitted in 2021, was not recommended to continue on the regulatory panel.
The Chair of the Social Workers Registration Board confirmed the decision, stating that members of the disciplinary committee must have a spotless reputation. The board recently underwent reforms after criticism for not acting decisively against those involved in national security offenses.
Despite her prior acquittal, Chen now faces renewed legal challenges as the Court of Appeal overturned the decision to proceed with the case. The incident highlights the complexities of handling professional misconduct allegations within a politically charged environment.
These events underscore the importance of maintaining the integrity of regulatory bodies and the need for transparency in disciplinary processes within sensitive societal contexts.
