Joshua Wong, a prominent pro-democracy figure in Hong Kong, admitted guilt on Wednesday to a charge of conspiring with foreign entities to jeopardize national security, as specified in a law imposed by Beijing. This law effectively suppressed the once-vibrant pro-democracy movement in the city.
This marks the second time Wong, a former student leader and a recognizable figure in the pro-democracy movement, has faced prosecution under the national security law implemented in Hong Kong in 2020. The law was introduced following extensive anti-government demonstrations in the city the previous year.
Appearing in court wearing a blue shirt, Wong appeared thinner as he entered his plea. Prior to the court session, a supporter encouraged him to stay strong, while his friend Louis Lee shared that Wong had been engaging in reading, studying, playing the guitar, and exercising while in prison, exploring new interests behind bars. Lee expressed hope for Wong’s early release from prison.
Wong is currently awaiting sentencing, with the offense carrying a potential prison term of three to 10 years, or even life imprisonment if deemed severe. By pleading guilty, Wong may potentially receive a reduced sentence. He is already serving a prison term of four years and eight months after pleading guilty in a separate national security case related to an unofficial political primary.
Critics argue that Wong’s case highlights authorities’ efforts to silence prominent dissenters, thereby dampening civic activism. Conversely, Beijing views Wong as an anti-China figure advocating for Hong Kong independence, which is a red line for the authorities.
Joshua Wong, aged 29, is accused of conspiring with fellow activist Nathan Law and others to solicit foreign entities to impose sanctions or engage in hostile actions against Hong Kong or China between July 1 and November 23, 2020. Wong first gained prominence in 2012 as a high school student leading protests against national education in Hong Kong schools. Subsequently, he became well-known as a student leader during the 2014 Occupy Movement.
In 2016, Wong co-founded the political party “Demosisto” with fellow youth activists, including Law, who became the city’s youngest legislator the same year. During the leaderless 2019 protests, Wong sought international support for the democracy movement, drawing criticism from Beijing for allegedly seeking foreign interference.
As the security law was enforced in 2020, Demosisto disbanded, and several activists, including media mogul Jimmy Lai, were imprisoned under the law. Some activists chose to flee to democratic nations such as the U.S. and the U.K. Additionally, Hong Kong authorities offered rewards for information leading to the arrest of Law and other activists residing overseas.