Joshua Wong, once a prominent figure in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, a charge under Beijing's national security law. This marks his second sentencing under the controversial legislation.
Wong first gained widespread recognition as a teenage activist in 2012, leading protests against the introduction of national education in schools with his group Scholarism. He became a notable face of the 2014 Umbrella Movement, which saw protesters occupy major thoroughfares for 79 days in an unsuccessful push for direct elections. Although not a primary decision-maker, his speeches energized crowds, and his activism was characterized as a "David taking on Goliath" effort.
In 2016, Wong co-founded the political party Demosisto, advocating for self-determination. However, Beijing later equated "self-determination" with Hong Kong independence. During the 2019 anti-government protests, Wong played a less visible role on the streets, focusing instead on seeking international support and urging U.S. politicians to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. Beijing criticized these actions as "begging for interference."
As the national security law was introduced, Demosisto disbanded, and Wong continued to face legal challenges. In 2024, he received a sentence of four years and eight months in a separate national security case related to his role in an unofficial primary election in 2020. The recent 10-year sentence follows his guilty plea to colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security.
Despite the legal repercussions, those who know Wong describe him as a reflective and maturing individual. His former Scholarism colleague, Louis Lee, visits him in prison and notes that Wong continues to read, take courses, and practice guitar, striving for personal growth. Lee shared Wong's message: "The most important thing is to not forget why you first stepped forward." Wong had been expected to be released from prison in January 2025 before the latest charges were brought.
Wong's imprisonment is seen by critics as indicative of authorities' efforts to silence prominent dissidents, while Beijing views him as an anti-China figure promoting independence.