After Hong Kong democracy protests, prominent face Joshua Wong jailed for 10 years
A new 10-year sentence
Wong was sentenced for colluding with foreign forces under Hong Kong’s national security law. He had pleaded guilty to the charges in September, after they were brought while he was already in prison.
He was serving time for subversion and had been due for release early next year. As the judge explained the sentence, Wong greeted people in the public gallery and occasionally took notes.
What prosecutors alleged
Prosecutors said Wong conspired with other campaigners, including self-exiled activist Nathan Law, to seek foreign sanctions and blockades against Beijing. Wong and Law co-founded Demosisto, a pro-democracy party that has since disbanded.
The national security law was introduced by Beijing in 2020. Critics say it has suppressed dissent, while authorities argue it supports stability and deny it has reduced Hong Kong’s autonomy.
From student activism to prison
Wong co-founded the student group Scholarism in 2011, when he was 14. By 2014, he was among the best-known figures in the Umbrella Movement, a civil disobedience campaign.
He has been imprisoned several times for his activism, which began in his teens. Wong has also said he was uncomfortable with being described as a protest leader.
Key points
- Joshua Wong received 10 years in prison for colluding with foreign forces.
- Prosecutors said Wong and other campaigners sought sanctions and blockades against Beijing.
- Wong was already imprisoned for subversion when the latest charges were brought.
- Critics say Hong Kong’s national security law has silenced dissent; authorities defend it as necessary for stability.