Hong Kong court denies jailed social worker leave to appeal 2019 rioting conviction

The Hong Kong court upheld a decision to deny jailed social worker Jackie Chen's appeal against her conviction for rioting stemming from the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Chen, who is serving a three-year, nine-month sentence, was denied leave to appeal by the High Court. This ruling underscores the stringent measures the Hong Kong government has taken to suppress dissent following the unrest. The decision reflects the broader crackdown on activists and critics in the region, highlighting the challenges faced by those challenging their convictions in a politically charged environment.