Hong Kong

Joshua Wong Sentenced to 10 Years in Second National Security Case

Published
Updated

By Kris Ma/Irene Lin

Open in App

The Hong Kong High Court has sentenced prominent pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong to 10 years in prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the national security law. Wong, 30, was already serving a sentence of four years and eight months for his role in an unofficial 2020 democratic primary election. Legal experts and former Hong Kong representatives in Taipei highlight that the 10-year term reflects the minimum statutory threshold for security offenses categorized as severe.

Crowds and police surrounded the Hong Kong High Court on Thursday...

They were waiting for former Hong Kong student leader Joshua Wong... who has been sentenced to 10 more years in prison after a guilty plea to foreign collusion charges... It’s his second national security case since the city-wide democracy movement in 2019.

Supporters waiting outside the courthouse before sentencing was announced said they will not give up on Wong and democracy in the city.

HONG KONG RESIDENT 1:
"Finally we will get a verdict today but no one knows what the outcome will be. No matter the outcome, we will love him full-heartedly and support him."

HONG KONG RESIDENT 2:
"I have seen how things have changed over the years with more laws established to limit social movements. I feel we need to do our part to fight for democracy."

In September, Wong pleaded guilty to colluding with foreign forces to undermine the Hong Kong government's authority...

The 30-year-old had already been serving several years in prison for campaigning in an unofficial primary election... and he was set to walk free in January next year.

JOSHUA WONG, HONG KONG DEMOCRACY ACTIVIST:
"Perhaps the time for me to continue to fight for freedom in Hong Kong is already counting down. But no matter what happens, as a Hongkonger, I love Hong Kong a lot, and I will continue my commitment."

MICHAEL MO, FORMER HONG KONG DISTRICT COUNCILLOR:
"ten years is the, uh, sentences or the minimum threshold for all these national security sentences that are considered to be, uh, so-called serious in nature. the whole civil society of Hong Kong has already been, uh, diminished, uh, ever since, uh, the continued crackdown of activists, shop owners, businessmen and, uh, booksellers. I would say it is a rub in the rubbing salt in the wounds."

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which handles relations with China, urges Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to stop persecuting pro-democracy activists and using national security laws to target them.

For many people from Hong Kong and Taiwan... Wong's case may serve as a reminder that democratic freedoms and free speech can’t be taken for granted... as Beijing continues to cast a shadow over both territories.