Hong Kong pro-democracy advocate Joshua Wong admitted guilt on Wednesday to conspiring with foreign forces to jeopardize national security, an offense under a law enacted by Beijing that has effectively suppressed the city’s once-vibrant pro-democracy movement.
This marks Wong’s second legal action under the national security law, introduced in 2020 to quash massive anti-government demonstrations that shook the city the preceding year. The activist, a former student leader in the pro-democracy campaign and a well-known figure, appeared slimmer as he entered his plea in a blue shirt.
Prior to the court session, a supporter encouraged Wong with a shout of “hang in there.” Wong’s friend Louis Lee mentioned that Wong engaged in reading, studying, playing the guitar, and exercising while in prison, exploring new interests. Lee expressed hope for Wong’s speedy release and stated his belief that they, along with their friends, would continue their efforts in their respective fields.
Wong is expected to receive his sentence at a later date. The offense carries a penalty ranging from three to 10 years in prison, or potentially life imprisonment if considered “of a grave nature.” Generally, pleading guilty can result in a reduced sentence. Wong is already serving a prison term of four years and eight months after pleading guilty in a separate national security case related to an unofficial political primary.
Critics view Wong’s case as indicative of the authorities’ determination to silence prominent dissenters, which has had a chilling effect on civic activism. However, Beijing regards Wong as an anti-China figure who advocates for Hong Kong independence, a stance that crosses a red line for the authorities.
Wong, aged 29, faced allegations of collaborating with fellow activist Nathan Law and others to solicit foreign entities to impose sanctions or other hostile actions against Hong Kong or China between July 1 and November 23, 2020. He gained prominence in 2012 by leading protests as a high school student against the introduction of national education in Hong Kong schools, later becoming a key figure in the 2014 Occupy Movement.
In 2016, Wong co-established the political party “Demosisto” with other young activists, including Law, who became the city’s youngest lawmaker in the same year. The party disbanded following the enforcement of the security law in 2020 by Beijing, citing the necessity for the city’s stability.
During the 2019 leaderless protests, Wong played a role in seeking international support for the democracy movement, including from the United States. Beijing criticized his actions, accusing him of seeking foreign interference. Several other prominent activists have been imprisoned under the same law, such as former media mogul Jimmy Lai, while some activists fled to democratic nations like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Hong Kong authorities separately offered rewards for information leading to the arrest of Law, who relocated to Britain, and other activists residing overseas.
