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Hong Kong sentences Joshua Wong to 10 years in foreign collusion case

Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced democracy activist Joshua Wong to 10 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. The case concerned requests for foreign sanctions and other pressure in 2020. Wong was already imprisoned in a separate national security case involving an unofficial primary election.

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Side view of an empty defendant’s dock in a Hong Kong High Court courtroom, with the judicial bench in the background.

Court hands down the new sentence

Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced democracy activist Joshua Wong to 10 years in prison on November 5 for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. Wong had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. The sentence adds a new conviction while he is already serving time in another national security case.[1], [2]

The prosecution concerned efforts in 2020 to ask foreign countries or institutions to impose sanctions, a blockade or other adverse measures against Hong Kong and China. Contacts involving Wong, fellow activist Nathan Law and overseas politicians were part of the prosecution’s account. Judge William Tam considered the offence grave and took the guilty plea into account.[1]

Wong was already imprisoned

Wong is 30 and has spent nearly six years in custody. He is serving a four-year, eight-month term in the separate case over an unofficial primary organised by pro-democracy activists in 2020. Before the additional prosecution, he had been expected to leave prison in January 2027. His political activity began as a teenager, and he became a prominent participant in the democracy demonstrations of 2014.[1]

Security law divides authorities and critics

Beijing imposed the national security law in 2020 after the extensive protests of 2019. Hong Kong authorities defend it as necessary for stability and reject accusations of arbitrary enforcement against political activity. Critics say it has silenced dissent and civil society. Since it took effect, numerous activists have been arrested, some news organisations have closed and civil society groups have dissolved.[1]

References

  1. News sourceBBC NewsHong Kong sentences Joshua Wong to 10 years in national security case↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceDimsum DailyHong Kong court sentences Joshua Wong to 10 years↩
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