New Conviction Extends Jailed Activist Joshua Wong’s Hong Kong Prison Term by 10 Years

A second security conviction

Wong, 30, was sentenced Thursday in a case involving a collusion-related charge. He had been expected to leave prison in January 2027 before that prosecution. His existing sentence followed a guilty plea in the city’s biggest national security case. The 10-year term is his second conviction under the Beijing-imposed law.

Supporters gathered at court

Wong appeared calm and thanked supporters before leaving court. People who had gathered outside waved to him, while Tiffany Chin, a former member of the now-disbanded Scholarism group once led by Wong, cried.

Resident ET Wong said Joshua Wong showed a broad view of the future when he was a teenager. She said he took a difficult path for Hong Kong’s future, human rights and the student movement.

Competing views of the case

Observers said the sentence showed authorities’ resolve to keep prominent activists imprisoned, and warned it could discourage civic action. Beijing regards Wong as an anti-China figure who supports Hong Kong independence, which it considers beyond an acceptable boundary.

Hong Kong authorities say the security law is essential to stability after the 2019 protests. They also maintain that law enforcement actions were based on evidence.

Activities and life in prison

Friends said Wong has read, exercised and taught himself guitar during nearly six years in prison, while developing his thinking. His continued influence has appeared to concern some in the pro-Beijing camp.