Hong Kong’s well-known pro-democracy advocate, Joshua Wong, admitted guilt on Wednesday to collaborating with foreign forces to endanger national security, a charge brought under a law imposed by Beijing that effectively suppressed the city’s once-vibrant pro-democracy movement. This marks Wong’s second prosecution under the national security law, which was introduced in Hong Kong in 2020 following extensive anti-government protests in the previous year.
Appearing in a blue shirt, Wong looked notably slimmer as he entered his plea. Ahead of the court session, a supporter encouraged him with a shout of “hang in there,” while Wong’s friend, Louis Lee, shared that Wong had been engaging in various activities like reading, studying, playing the guitar, and exercising while in prison. Lee expressed hope for Wong’s early release and emphasized their collective commitment to their respective roles in advancing their causes.
Wong, whose current prison term is set to conclude in January, is awaiting sentencing. The offense he pleaded guilty to carries a potential prison sentence of three to 10 years, or even life imprisonment for severe cases. By admitting guilt, Wong may receive a reduced sentence. He was already serving a sentence of four years and eight months after pleading guilty in a separate case related to an unofficial political primary.
Critics view Wong’s case as a demonstration of authorities’ efforts to silence prominent dissenting voices and stifle civic engagement. However, Beijing perceives Wong as an anti-China figure advocating for Hong Kong’s independence, a stance considered a red line by Chinese authorities.
The charges against Wong, 29, involve allegations of colluding with fellow activist Nathan Law and others to seek foreign support, including sanctions or other hostile actions against Hong Kong and China from July 1 to November 23, 2020. Wong gained prominence in 2012 for leading protests against national education reforms in Hong Kong schools during his high school days. He later became a key figure in the 2014 Occupy Movement and co-founded the political party “Demosisto” in 2016 with Law and other young activists.
Wong’s involvement in seeking international backing for the pro-democracy movement during the 2019 protests drew criticism from Beijing, which accused him of soliciting foreign interference. Demosisto disbanded following the implementation of the security law in 2020, with authorities citing the law as essential for the city’s stability.
Several other prominent activists, such as media mogul Jimmy Lai, were also imprisoned under the same law, while some activists sought refuge in democratic nations like the United States and the United Kingdom. Hong Kong authorities have offered substantial rewards for information leading to the arrests of Law, who relocated to the UK, and other activists residing overseas.