Joshua Wong, a 29-year-old prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner, has entered a guilty plea to charges of collusion with foreign entities under the National Security Law. The offense carries a potential life sentence. Wong is already serving a sentence of four years and eight months following a conviction on subversion charges in late 2024, with that term scheduled to conclude early next year. Sentencing for the latest charges will occur at a future date to be determined by the court.
The collusion charge centers on allegations that Wong conspired with other activists, including exiled campaigner Nathan Law, to encourage foreign countries and international entities to impose sanctions or blockades against China. According to court proceedings, these activities took place between July and late November 2020, the same year China implemented the National Security Law. The prosecution also presented evidence that Wong and Law engaged in international lobbying efforts on multiple occasions, including visits to the United States, Germany, and Italy. Both men were among the founders of the pro-democracy party Demosistō in April 2016.
Prosecutors additionally accused Wong and Law of promoting the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, a piece of U.S. federal legislation that entered force in November 2019 and authorizes the U.S. government to impose sanctions on officials deemed responsible for human rights violations in Hong Kong. The prosecution noted that even after Demosistō dissolved, Wong maintained his commitment to his political stance and continued pursuing international support.
Wong, appearing in dark business attire, did not contest the allegations presented. The courtroom included approximately 40 supporters, including fellow activists and personal friends, with some vocal expressions of encouragement. An activist from the now-dissolved League of Social Democrats called for leniency, noting Wong has spent more than 2,000 days in custody to date. Wong has reportedly pursued various activities while imprisoned, including learning guitar and fitness pursuits.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI