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zheng Jiaru’s Private prosecution Against Wall Street Journal Proceeds After Justice Department Declines intervention
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Hong Kong – Former Wall Street Journalist Association Chairman, Zheng Jiaru’s private prosecution against Dow Jones Publishing Co.(Asia), Inc., parent company of the Wall Street Journal, is set to move forward. This development follows the Department of Justice’s confirmation that it will not intervene in the case, according to a statement released by Zheng’s lawyer, Adam Clermont.
Details of the Case
Zheng jiaru, who was dismissed from the wall Street Journal last year shortly after being elected chairman of the Journalist Association, alleges that his termination was a result of his involvement in trade union activities.he is pursuing two charges under the Employment Ordinance, accusing Dow Jones Publishing Co. of preventing him from exercising his rights as a registered trade union director and terminating his employment because of it.
The charges specifically relate to an alleged incident between June 21 and 22, 2024, where Zheng was purportedly required to seek consent to run for the position of Chairman of the Hong Kong Press association, with the understanding that his application would be denied, and his employment would be terminated if he proceeded [1].
Did You Know? Private prosecutions are relatively rare, often requiring notable resources and legal expertise from the individual bringing the case.
Department of Justice’s Decision
The Department of Justice (DOJ) possesses the authority to intervene in private prosecutions, assuming control of the proceedings or even halting them altogether. The “Prosecution Code” outlines factors influencing the DOJ’s decision, including the maintenance of social justice, the severity of the alleged crime, and the consistency of the prosecution with the department’s policies [2].
Though, in this instance, the DOJ has opted not to intervene, a decision hailed by zheng’s lawyer as a victory for hong Kong’s legal system. Clermont stated on LinkedIn that this decision “enables our work to pursue justice to go smoothly,” underscoring the ability of individuals to hold foreign companies accountable and protect freedoms of the press, association, and trade union membership.
Implications and Next Steps
Clermont emphasized his commitment to defending Zheng’s right to serve as chairman of the Journalists Association, asserting that the Wall Street Journal’s parent company exerted undue pressure and unlawfully terminated his client. He believes the case highlights Hong Kong’s dedication to upholding labor rights and ensuring a fair and stable society governed by the rule of law.
The case, identified as ESS35334/2024 and ESS35335/2024, is scheduled to be reported again this Wednesday, July 2, marking a crucial step in Zheng Jiaru’s pursuit of justice against his former employer.
Pro Tip: Following court proceedings and legal developments through reputable news sources and legal journals can provide valuable insights into the complexities of labor law and private prosecutions.
Key Details: Zheng Jiaru vs. Wall Street Journal
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