Prominent Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong was sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison on Thursday, serving under a Beijing-imposed national security law. The sentence, handed down in a case that critics say reflects a crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy movement, adds to Wong's existing prison time.

Wong, 30, had pleaded guilty earlier this year to a charge of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, an offense for which he was charged in 2025. He is already serving a sentence of four years and eight months for his involvement in an unofficial primary election that was deemed a national security case.

Before this latest conviction, Wong was expected to be released in January 2027. However, Judge William Tam ruled that Wong's offense was grave and that he was a mastermind of the conspiracy. Tam stated that Wong and fellow activist Nathan Law continued to conspire to directly contact and collude with foreign government officials and institutions, urging adverse interference against China and Hong Kong. The judge cited the US revocation of Hong Kong’s special administrative region status and sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials as examples of the actions Wong and Law had advocated for.

"The punishment must fit the gravity of the crime committed," Tam wrote. "It is also necessary for this court to express the community’s abhorrence of the defendant’s scheme and acts together with others to collude with foreign forces…and to serve the imperative of general deterrence."

Tam indicated that a 13-year sentence was considered as a starting point, but it was reduced due to Wong’s guilty plea and mitigation. The court also ruled that Wong would serve the remaining two months of his first national security conviction concurrently with the new sentence.

Wong appeared calm during the sentencing and thanked his supporters as he departed the court. His supporters were seen waving to him, with some expressing tears. In a statement from prison, Wong wrote that his political participation was not driven by hatred and he held no resentment toward the Chinese or Hong Kong governments, adding that he never advocated for Hong Kong independence.

He expressed belief that he was acting within the law at the time, but later realized his judgment was flawed. Wong also stated that during his nearly six years of incarceration, he pursued university courses, read extensively, and strived to become a more responsible and compassionate individual, hoping this period would strengthen him.

Crackdown on Dissent

Hong Kong was once known for its vibrant civil society, active protests, and free press. However, following anti-government protests in 2019, authorities have curtailed public electoral choices and arrested numerous prominent activists. Several news outlets critical of the government have ceased operations, and many civil society groups have disbanded. Observers suggest Wong’s sentencing underscores the authorities’ intent to keep key activists imprisoned for extended periods, further stifling civic activism.

"NSL charges can be repeatedly weaponized to keep a specific political prisoner in jail, if the government deems necessary," said Eric Lai, a research fellow at Georgetown Center for Asian Law, referring to the national security law. Beijing, however, views Wong as an anti-China figure advocating for Hong Kong independence, actions that cross its perceived red lines. Hong Kong authorities maintain that the national security law is essential for the city’s stability post-2019 protests and that law enforcement actions are evidence-based.

Lobbying Efforts Cited

The prosecution alleged that Wong and Law had agreed around 2016 to lobby internationally for democratic self-determination. After the national security law was enacted, Law and others continued their advocacy abroad, engaging with foreign politicians and initiating petition drives. Wong allegedly supported these efforts from Hong Kong by using foreign media and social media to draw international attention and encourage sanctions or other hostile measures against China and Hong Kong.

Wong's lawyer, Derek Chan, had urged the court to impose a sentence that would offer his client hope, mentioning Wong’s desire to care for his parents after his release. Following the hearing, Wong's friend Louis Lee, also a former Scholarism member, told reporters they needed time to process the outcome but expressed gratitude for the concern and support shown to Wong.

Steve Li, chief superintendent of the police's national security department, welcomed the court's ruling and expressed hope that Wong would reflect on his actions and develop a law-abiding spirit and a proper understanding of his country. To his supporters, Wong represents a younger generation and a symbol of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

Despite his imprisonment, Wong's influence remains a concern for pro-Beijing factions. A pro-Beijing newspaper report in September criticized a 2017 Netflix documentary about Wong for allegedly "beautifying" his crimes, prompting the city's security bureau to state that follow-up action was being taken. The documentary subsequently rose to the top of Netflix's popular chart in Hong Kong. Rights groups have voiced concerns over Wong’s case, with dozens of people queuing outside the court building to secure seats in the public gallery. One resident, ET Wong, stated that Wong had walked a difficult path for Hong Kong's future and human rights, adding, "At least in my heart, he should not have spent a single day in wrongful imprisonment."