Joshua Wong, a prominent pro-democracy figure in Hong Kong, admitted guilt on Wednesday to a charge of collaborating with foreign entities to endanger national security. This offense falls under a law imposed by Beijing that effectively suppressed the city’s once-vibrant pro-democracy movement.
This marks the second time Wong, a former student leader and a widely known face of the pro-democracy movement, has faced prosecution under the national security law implemented in Hong Kong in 2020 following significant anti-government demonstrations in the preceding year.
Appearing in a blue shirt, Wong seemed slimmer as he entered his plea.
Ahead of the court session, a supporter encouraged Wong with a shout of “hang in there.” Wong’s friend, Louis Lee, mentioned that Wong used his time in prison to read, study, play the guitar, and exercise, exploring new interests while incarcerated. Lee expressed hope for Wong’s quick release from prison.
Lee stated, “I believe that both he and I, along with our friends outside, will fulfill our roles to the best of our abilities and continue working diligently in our respective fields.”
Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, seen here in March 2021 in police custody, pleaded guilty to a second national security charge in Hong Kong. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)
Current sentence due to end in January
Wong is set to receive his sentencing at a later date. The offense carries a penalty ranging from three to 10 years in prison, with a possibility of life imprisonment if deemed “of a grave nature.” Typically, pleading guilty can lead to a reduced sentence.
Having previously pleaded guilty in a separate national security case related to an unofficial political primary, Wong was already serving a sentence of four years and eight months.
Before his arrest on the collusion-related charge in June 2025, Wong was on track to be released in January.
Critics argue that Wong’s case illustrates the government’s efforts to silence prominent dissenters, dampening civic engagement. Conversely, to Beijing, Wong represents an anti-China figure advocating for Hong Kong independence, a stance viewed as crossing a red line by authorities.
Rose to prominence as student activist
Accused of conspiring with activist Nathan Law and others, Wong, 29, allegedly sought support from foreign entities to impose sanctions or take hostile actions against Hong Kong or China between July 1 and November 23, 2020.
In 2012, Wong gained recognition for leading protests against national education in Hong Kong schools during his high school years. He later became prominent as a key figure in the 2014 Occupy Movement.
In 2016, Wong co-established the political party “Demosisto” with fellow young activists, including Law, who became the city’s youngest legislator that same year.
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