Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty in the in the second national security case, could face life imprisonment.
According to The Guardian, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent pro-democracy activists, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring to seek foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China, a national security charge that carries a maximum life sentence.
Prosecutors have accused the 29-year-old, of working with the exiled Hong Kong activist Nathan Law to urge foreign powers to impose sanctions, blockades or other hostile measures against China.
The court heard that Wong had visited foreign countries and met foreign politicians to lobby for sanctions against Hong Kong and China.
The prosecution said he had continued to call for sanctions on Hong Kong and China after the implementation of the national security law and that he had posted meetings on his social media accounts.
Wong has been continuously imprisoned since November 2020. He has spent nearly six years in detention and had been due to be released in January 2027.
Wong waved at supporters as he entered the dock. He wore a blue shirt and black-rimmed glasses. He stood with his arms behind his back as he pleaded guilty to the charges.
Joshua Wong supporters’ fury
Outside Hong Kong’s high court, people queued overnight to secure a seat at Wednesday’s hearing.
One supporter who attended the court criticised the proceedings and said, “Under a compromised judicial system with zero space for a fair trial, Wong’s plea is a forced reality. This is not justice, but Beijing’s absolute eradication of Hong Kong’s dissident voices.”
He is expected to be sentenced later. The offence is punishable by a prison term of three to 10 years, or up to life imprisonment if the offence is deemed to be “of a grave nature.” Pleading guilty could typically result in a reduced sentence.
In 2022 Wong pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit subversion for his role in an unofficial primary election. In November 2024 he was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison.
