Joshua Wong receives 10-year sentence for foreign collusion

Joshua Wong, a prominent Hong Kong democracy activist, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday for colluding with foreign powers. A court summary confirmed that the judge imposed the final term based on Wong's guilty plea to seeking international sanctions against the territory and China.

Wong, who turned 30 last month, has already spent nearly six years in custody. He had previously been expected to be released in January after serving four years and eight months for subversion under Beijing's national security law. However, authorities recharged him in June 2025, alleging that he sought to have other entities impose sanctions on the financial hub.

The former student leader entered the courtroom in a blue shirt and black glasses, appearing calm as he nodded to supporters. After the verdict was read, he waved to the crowd, where dozens of people had gathered in line for the hearing. Police maintained a heavy presence outside the building.

Supporters were heard telling Wong they would wait for his release. Louis Lee, a friend and former member of the Scholarism student group, said Wong remained energetic in prison but showed signs of worry during visits. Lee noted that Wong sighed occasionally and seemed disappointed by the process.

Margaret Chan, a 61-year-old retiree and long-time supporter, described the situation as heartbreaking. She noted that Wong will be in his middle age when he is finally released. Chan called him an outstanding young man who has been exceptional since his youth.

Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at SOAS University of London, stated that Beijing views Wong as a key leader in the 2019 protests. Tsang argued that the sentence serves as an example and signals that authorities are maintaining strict control over Hong Kong. He said the ruling indicates there is no scope for returning to the more relaxed days before 2019.

Wong rose to prominence during the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests. He has been in and out of jail since 2017. Authorities stated he began international lobbying in 2016 to promote the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. He was among dozens jailed for subversion in 2024, but he is the only person in that group to be charged twice under the security law.