A Hong Kong court has sentenced pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the city's national security law. The sentence was handed down on Thursday, 5 November 2026, at the High Court. Wong, a former student leader and ex-secretary-general of the now-disbanded party Demosisto, pleaded guilty in September and is already serving a sentence in a separate case.
National security judge William Tam reportedly first set the penalty at 13 years and then reduced it to 10 years after considering Wong's plea and mitigation. According to reports, this is the minimum term for an offence of a grave nature under the law. The court said Wong and fellow activist Nathan Law worked with foreign officials and others to seek measures against China and Hong Kong. Wong, who had been scheduled for release in January, was charged in 2025 after being arrested in prison.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Wong had pleaded guilty in the face of overwhelming evidence and that Beijing supports Hong Kong in safeguarding national security. The United States condemned the sentence and called for Wong's immediate release, while rights groups described the collusion charge as an effort to keep him behind bars. Wong has said he did not advocate Hong Kong independence or seek regime change in China.
The case adds to a series of prosecutions under the 2020 national security law that have reshaped the city's political landscape. Earlier this year, media tycoon Jimmy Lai was jailed for 20 years for collusion with foreign forces and sedition after a landmark trial that drew international criticism. Beijing says the law was necessary to stabilise Hong Kong after the 2019 protests.
For the international community, the sentence will likely keep human rights and rule of law in Hong Kong on the diplomatic agenda, especially in relations between China, the United States and European countries. Observers will watch for further reactions and any steps taken by Wong's legal team. Readers can follow official statements and major news agencies for further updates.
News sources (nofollow): Korea Times (Reuters) | Asia News Network (China Daily) | WBUR Here and Now
