Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong jailed for 10 more years

Prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday after being convicted for a second time under Beijing-imposed national security legislation. The case has drawn criticism from observers who view it as another example of the authorities' crackdown on the city's once-vibrant pro-democracy movement.Wong was charged in 2025 with conspiring to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security under the legislation. He pleaded guilty to the charge in September, a step that can generally lead to a reduced sentence.The 30-year-old activist is already serving a four-year-and-eight-month prison term in connection with Hong Kong's largest national security case, which stemmed from an unofficial primary election. He had earlier been expected to complete that sentence and walk free in January 2027 before facing the latest prosecution.During Thursday's sentencing hearing, Judge William Tam described Wong's offence as particularly serious and rejected arguments that his involvement had been limited.The judge said he had initially considered a 13-year prison term but reduced the sentence in view of Wong's guilty plea.Wong appeared composed as he thanked his supporters before leaving the courtroom. Those gathered outside waved to him, while Tiffany Chin, a former member of scholarism, the student group once led by Wong, was seen in tears.The judge also ruled that Wong's two prison sentences could run concurrently. The activist has approximately two months remaining on his earlier sentence for the previous national security conviction.Resident ET Wong recalled that Joshua Wong had demonstrated exceptional political awareness even as a teenager, possessing what she described as a level of "big-picture thinking" that many adults lacked. She said he had taken a difficult path while fighting for Hong Kong's future, human rights and student movement."At least in my heart, he should not have spent a single day in wrongful imprisonment," she said.Wong's convictions seen as a warning against dissentHong Kong was once known for its active civil society, extensive protest movements and vibrant media landscape. However, following the anti-government demonstrations that swept the city in 2019, authorities introduced changes that limited electoral choices and arrested several prominent activists.Several media organisations known for their critical coverage of the government subsequently shut down, while dozens of civil society groups also disbanded.Observers believe Wong's latest sentence demonstrates the authorities' determination to keep high-profile activists behind bars for extended periods, potentially discouraging further civic and political activism."NSL charges can be repeatedly weaponized to keep a specific political prisoner in jail, if the government deems necessary," said Eric Lai, a research fellow at Georgetown University's Center for Asian Law, referring to the National Security Law.Beijing, however, considers Wong an anti-China figure who supports Hong Kong independence, a position that crosses its political red lines. Hong Kong authorities have defended the security legislation, arguing that it is essential to maintaining stability following the 2019 unrest. They have also maintained that law enforcement measures are based on evidence.Prosecution focuses on international lobbying effortsDuring the proceedings, prosecutors alleged that Wong and fellow activist Nathan Law had agreed around 2016 to pursue international lobbying efforts to advance their campaign for democratic self-determination.The prosecution claimed that, even before the national security legislation was introduced, the two activists had called for sanctions and other punitive measures against Hong Kong and mainland China.It cited Wong's meetings with American politicians, including Nancy Pelosi and Marco Rubio, in 2016 and 2019 as part of the evidence presented against him.According to prosecutors, after the security law came into force, Law and other activists continued their international advocacy by meeting foreign political leaders and organising petition campaigns.Wong allegedly supported these efforts from Hong Kong through interviews with international media organisations and social media campaigns. Prosecutors said his activities were aimed at attracting foreign governments' attention and strengthening demands for sanctions, blockades and other hostile measures against China and Hong Kong.Earlier, Wong's lawyer, Derek Chan, had urged the court to consider a sentence that would allow his client to retain some hope for the future. He also told the court that Wong hoped to look after his parents following his release.Friends have said that during nearly six years behind bars, Wong continued reading books, exercising and learning to play the guitar on his own. They added that the experience had also contributed to his intellectual and personal growth.For his supporters, Wong remains an influential political figure who represents a younger generation of Hong Kong residents born during the final years of British colonial rule, before the territory was handed back to China in 1997.Wong's influence remains a concern for pro-Beijing campDespite spending years in prison, Wong's influence continues to attract attention, particularly among pro-Beijing supporters.In September, a pro-Beijing newspaper criticised a 2017 documentary about the activist available on Netflix, accusing it of portraying his actions in a favourable light and "beautifying" his crimes.Hong Kong's security bureau subsequently informed local media that the government was taking follow-up action over the matter.However, the controversy appeared to generate further interest in the documentary, which climbed to the top of Netflix's popularity rankings in Hong Kong.You use AI every day. 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