Judge sentences Joshua Wong to 10 years for foreign collusion

Hong Kong judge William Tam handed Joshua Wong a 10 year prison sentence on Thursday for his role in a scheme to collude with foreign powers. This marks the activist's second conviction under the city's national security law.

Wong, who became a global figure during the 2014 Umbrella protests, pleaded guilty to foreign collusion in September. Prosecutors accused him of working with exiled activist Nathan Law to pressure foreign governments into imposing sanctions and blockades against China.

The timeline of the case spans several years of political tension. Wong first rose to prominence as the teenage face of the 2014 demonstrations that paralyzed the financial center. He was serving a sentence for his role in those protests when the 2019 anti-extradition bill demonstrations erupted. After his release, he quickly rejoined the streets. Beijing introduced a sweeping national security law in 2020 to restore stability, a move critics argue was designed to silence independent media and political opposition. In November 2024, Wong received a four year and eight month sentence for conspiracy to commit subversion related to an unofficial primary election.

In his ruling, Judge Tam described Wong's actions as grave in nature. The judge noted that Wong visited the United States to seek foreign interference before the security law was enacted. He also continued to share social media posts by Law that called for international sanctions after the law took effect. Tam stated that Wong's role was to supply underground support and arouse the attention of foreign countries to bolster the cause.

The judge specified that the new 10 year sentence will run concurrently with the remaining term of Wong's previous national security offence. Wong has spent nearly six years in detention. He had been due for release in January 2027 under his prior sentence.

Supporters and human rights organizations reacted swiftly to the verdict. Nathan Law described the sentencing as incredibly sad, stating it signals China's determination to quash hopes for freedom on its soil. Sarah Brooks, deputy regional director for Amnesty International, called the sentence a grim reminder that the law has become a tool to punish dissent rather than protect national security.

Dozens of people waited in line outside the court building amid a heavy police presence. A group of international diplomats attended the hearing. Wong, wearing a dark blue shirt and thick rimmed spectacles, nodded and bowed to supporters as the court proceedings concluded.