Barrister group asks court to overturn decision clearing democrat Margaret Ng of misconduct linked to 2019 protest conviction

The Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) has requested a court to review its disciplinary board's decision clearing pro-democracy figure Margaret Ng of misconduct connected to her 2019 protest conviction. This legal challenge was filed at the High Court on Friday, following the disciplinary tribunal's decision in June that the complaint against Ng was unsubstantiated.

The complaint stemmed from Ng's conviction five years ago for participating in an unauthorized assembly during the 2019 protests. Ng, along with six other activists, pleaded not guilty to the charges that occurred on August 18, 2019, when protesters marched on the streets to denounce alleged police brutality. Ng, a former lawmaker, was initially sentenced to a year-long jail term, which was later suspended for two years.

Despite her retirement from the legal profession, the HKBA argues that Ng's conviction should have supported the creation of the complaint against her. The association cites the judge's remarks in her conviction, stating that she flouted the law and intentionally challenged police authority, deepening societal divisions in Hong Kong.

When a complaint against a barrister is deemed substantiated, the barrister can face suspension or barred from practicing. The HKBA claims it must take necessary steps to maintain the integrity of the regulatory system, as the professional regulator of barristers. The association asserts that it must determine whether the complaint against Ng is substantiated or order the formation of a new disciplinary board to examine the complaint.