Joshua Wong Jailed for 10 Years Under Hong Kong Security Law
Prominent democracy activist sentenced for colluding with foreign forces, adding to existing subversion term.
Callum Smith
Joshua Wong received a 10-year jail sentence under Hong Kong's national security law.
The sentence ranks among the harshest under the national security law. Jimmy Lai received a 20-year term for similar charges. Wong pleaded guilty to the charge in September; the offenses occurred between July 1 and November 23, 2020.
Wong co-founded the now-defunct pro-democracy political party Demosisto with Nathan Law. He also played a key role in the 2014 'Umbrella Movement,' advocating for greater democratic freedoms.
Demosisto disbanded in 2020, the same year Beijing introduced the sweeping National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong. Beijing views Wong as an anti-China figure supporting Hong Kong independence and criticized him for "begging for interference."
'self-determination' equates to Hong Kong independence.
A Chinese official stated that "self-determination" equates to Hong Kong independence. Judge Tam said Wong's prior meetings with US and European politicians provided important context for the sentencing.
Critics contend the far-reaching law has silenced dissent, targeting political opposition, dissolving civil society groups, and silencing independent media. They say Wong’s imprisonment reflects authorities’ determination to keep prominent dissidents behind bars.
Critics indicated that The far-reaching law has silenced dissent, targeting political opposition, dissolving civil society groups, and silencing independent media. Wong’s imprisonment reflects authorities’ determination to keep prominent dissidents behind bars.
Authorities, however, argue the law maintains stability and deny it has weakened the city's cherished autonomy. Beijing maintains the law was necessary for the city’s stability.