Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong was sentenced to 10 years in prison on November 5, 2026, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the territory’s National Security Law.
Joshua Wong 10-year imprisonment
The sentence, handed down at the Hong Kong High Court by designated national security judge Tan Yaohao, marks the second time Wong has been sentenced under the National Security Law. Wong, who recently turned 30, has been in custody for more than six years. With the new 10-year term—of which two months and two days will be served concurrently with his ongoing sentence for the "47 democrats" subversion case—Wong is expected to remain imprisoned until November 2036, when he will be 40 years old.
Judge reduces Wong prison sentence to ten years
The court found that Wong’s actions constituted "serious" offenses under the National Security Law, which carries a sentencing range of 10 years to life imprisonment for such cases. Judge Tan established a starting point of 13 years, which was reduced to 10 years following Wong’s guilty plea and mitigation.
Nathan Law and conspiracy to collude
The prosecution’s case centered on Wong’s activities between July 1 and November 23, 2020, during which he conspired with former Demosistō chairman Nathan Law and other unidentified individuals to request that foreign entities impose sanctions, blockades, or engage in other hostile actions against Hong Kong and China. While the defense argued that Wong’s post-National Security Law activities were limited and should be viewed as less severe than other high-profile cases, the court included his pre-2020 lobbying efforts—such as his 2016 and 2019 advocacy for the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act—as critical context for his intent and the seriousness of his crimes.
Activist lobbied overseas officials against government policies
The court detailed how Wong and his associates had pursued an "international line," engaging with overseas officials and legislative bodies to pressure the Hong Kong and Chinese governments. These efforts included testifying before the U.S. Congress and advocating for the suspension of tactical equipment supplies to the Hong Kong police force.
Government officials welcome sentence while international observers criticize prosecution
Following the implementation of the National Security Law in June 2020, the court noted that Wong continued to maintain his political stance, utilizing social media to advocate for the "international line" and urging the public to keep international focus on Hong Kong.
Amnesty International criticizes prosecution tactics before expected release
The Hong Kong government welcomed the sentence, with National Security Department Senior Superintendent Li Kwai-wah describing the term as appropriate and stating that Wong had shown a disregard for the law throughout his career. Conversely, international organizations and observers have criticized the timing and nature of the prosecution. Amnesty International described the addition of a new conviction just months before Wong’s expected release as a "cruel" tactic.
Joshua Wong sentenced to 10 years in prison for his second conviction under a Beijing-imposed national security law. https://t.co/ZXysvJNqKr
— https://x.com/AP/status/2118184328693711005
Li Kwai-wah and National Security Department
In a letter submitted to the court prior to sentencing, Wong expressed that he did not view his political participation as rooted in hatred for the government, nor did he seek to advocate for "China’s collapse" or regime change. He stated that he accepted the consequences of his actions and hoped to use his time in prison for reflection and self-improvement. Following the proceedings, supporters who attended the hearing were seen visibly emotional as Wong was escorted from the courtroom.
More on National Security Law
Joshua Wong, one of Hong Kong's best-known pro-democracy activists, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday in a fresh national security prosecution brought while he was already serving time behind bars. Wong, who has been imprisoned since November 2020, was due to be… pic.twitter.com/6tSQDutG53
— https://x.com/thecfhk/status/2118181379070734715