Prominent Hong Kong Activist Joshua Wong Pleads Guilty in National Security Case
Prominent pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty in his second national security case involving charges of conspiring with foreign forces.
Prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong stated in court that he pleaded guilty to conspiring with foreign forces to endanger national security in his second trial under the national security law imposed by Beijing.
Second National Security Trial
Prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong appeared before a judge and pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring with foreign forces under the national security law introduced by Beijing.
The former student leader, who attended the hearing wearing a blue shirt and appeared thinner, was being tried for the second time under the national security framework. This law was enacted in 2020 following massive protests in 2019.
Prison Sentence and Possible Outcomes
Wong will reappear before a judge at a later date to be sentenced. This charge typically carries a prison sentence ranging from three to ten years.
If the offense is deemed to be of a very serious nature, sentences of up to life imprisonment can be handed down. However, pleading guilty generally allows for a reduction in the sentence.
Current Sentence and Other Cases
Wong had previously pleaded guilty in a separate national security case linked to an unofficial political primary and was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison.
Before his new detention in June 2025, Wong was expected to be released next January. However, this new legal process has altered his legal status.
Accusations of Communication with Foreign Forces
The prosecution stated that Wong, along with Nathan Law and other individuals, had requested foreign countries to impose sanctions and blockades against Hong Kong or China.
It was argued that following the enactment of the law, Wong supported these campaigns through social media posts and foreign media outlets.
Activist's Background and Political Role
Joshua Wong first became known in 2012 as a high school student through protests against national education, and he also came to prominence during the 2014 Occupy Movement.
In 2016, Wong co-founded the political party Demosisto alongside Nathan Law; the party was dissolved in 2020 upon the enactment of the security law.