Joshua Wong Pleads Guilty in Second National Security Trial in Hong Kong

Well-known Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong announced that he pleaded guilty in a national security trial where he was accused of conspiring to solicit sanctions from foreign countries against Hong Kong and China.

Details of the Charges

The prosecution stated that 29-year-old Joshua Wong worked together with exiled activist Nathan Law to encourage foreign states to impose sanctions, blockades, or similar hostile measures against China and Hong Kong.

It was stated in the courtroom that Wong had made visits to foreign countries, met with foreign politicians to lobby for sanctions, and continued his calls even after the national security law came into effect.

Prison History and Process

Wong, who has been in custody continuously since November 2020, has been detained for nearly six years and was normally expected to be released in January 2027.

Wong had previously pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge highlighted due to his role in an unofficial primary election in 2022, and was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison in November 2024.

Developments in the Hearing

Wong, who arrived in the courtroom wearing a blue shirt and black-rimmed glasses, waved to his supporters before clasping his hands behind his back and declaring that he pleaded guilty to the charges.

It was noted that the charge, whose sentencing is expected to be announced at a later date, carries a sentence of three to ten years in prison, or life imprisonment in serious cases, depending on the nature of the crime.

Reactions and Public Opinion

While citizens wishing to follow the hearing outside the High Court of Hong Kong queued overnight to secure seats in the room, some supporters criticized the judicial system.

Wong holds the distinction of being the only activist to be tried twice under this law, while international human rights organizations and his supporters have reacted to the trial in question.