Joshua Wong Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Under Hong Kong Security Law

Joshua Wong, a key figure in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces on Wednesday. This charge falls under a national security law enforced by Beijing, which has significantly dampened Hong Kong’s pro-democracy efforts.

This is Wong’s second prosecution under the security law introduced in 2020 to counter widespread anti-government demonstrations from the previous year. Clad in a blue shirt, Wong appeared noticeably thinner when he submitted his plea.

The sentence for this offense could range from three to ten years in prison, or even life imprisonment if deemed sufficiently serious. By pleading guilty, Wong could face a reduced sentence. He is currently serving a four-year and eight-month term for another national security case linked to an unofficial political primary. He was initially expected to be released in January after his current sentence.

Critics argue that Wong’s case highlights an effort to silence key dissidents and curb civic activism. Conversely, Beijing views Wong as an anti-China advocate promoting Hong Kong independence, a critical issue for Chinese authorities.

Details of the Case

Wong, aged 29, stands accused of conspiring with Nathan Law and others to solicit foreign countries or entities to apply sanctions, blockades, or other adverse measures against Hong Kong or China between July 1 and Nov. 23, 2020.

Prosecutors noted that Wong shared an online petition led by Law on social media, urging digital forensic firms to cease cooperation with Hong Kong police following the security law’s enactment. One company subsequently halted sales of digital intelligence products to Hong Kong and China.

The case argues that Wong and Law had long planned to lobby internationally for democratic self-determination. Prior to the security law, they sought foreign intervention against Hong Kong and China through sanctions and blockades. After the law’s introduction, Law and others continued this advocacy abroad, while Wong supported these efforts from within Hong Kong through media and social platforms.

Support and Activism

Before entering court, supporters encouraged Wong with calls to “Hang in there.” His associate, Louis Lee, mentioned that Wong spent his prison time reading, studying, and picking up the guitar as new hobbies.

I believe he and I, or friends outside, we will do our best in our own roles and continue to work hard in our fields, Lee stated.

A Pro-Democracy Icon

Wong gained prominence in 2012 as a high school leader protesting against national education in Hong Kong. His stature grew further during the 2014 Occupy Movement. In 2016, he and other young activists founded the Demosisto political party, with Law becoming Hong Kong’s youngest lawmaker that year.

During the 2019 leaderless protests, Wong sought international support for democracy, drawing Beijing’s ire for allegedly soliciting foreign interference.

Demosisto dissolved after the 2020 security law, deemed necessary by authorities for Hong Kong’s stability. Several activists, including Jimmy Lai, have been imprisoned under the law, while others went abroad, notably to the U.S. and U.K.

Hong Kong has offered sizable rewards for information leading to arrests of overseas activists, including Nathan Law in the U.K.