Joshua Wong Pleads Guilty in Second HK Security Case
Usagevpn.com – A prominent pro democracy Hong Kong figure has entered a second guilty plea under the territory’s national security statute. Joshua Wong, 29, told the court on Wednesday that he conspired to collude with foreign forces in a way that endangers national security — a charge under the law Beijing imposed in 2020. It is the second time the former student leader has been prosecuted under that same statute, deepening questions about how far the legislation reaches into civic life.
The Plea and Sentencing Range
Wong was already serving a four-year, eight-month sentence after pleading guilty in a separate case tied to the unofficial political primary of 2020. His June 2025 arrest for the collusion-related offence interrupted what had been a scheduled release the following January. Under the statute, the current charge carries a custodial term of three to ten years, escalating to life imprisonment if the court finds the conduct “of a grave nature.” A guilty plea generally invites a reduced sentence, though the judge retains full discretion and is expected to rule at a later date.
Wong, wearing a blue shirt and appearing visibly thinner, walked into the courtroom to enter his plea. Outside, a supporter called out,
“Hang in there.”
A close friend later described how the activist fills his days behind bars with reading, study, guitar practice, and exercise, adding that he hopes to see Wong free as soon as possible.
What Prosecutors Alleged
The prosecution’s case centres on an agreement Wong reached years ago with fellow activist Nathan Law to lobby internationally for democratic self-determination. Before the 2020 statute took effect, the two and others actively sought foreign intervention — sanctions, blockades, or other hostile measures aimed at the territory and the mainland. After the law came into force, Law and other exiles continued meetings with foreign politicians and petition campaigns from abroad, while Wong, remaining inside the territory, amplified those efforts through foreign-language social media channels.
Prosecutors singled out one specific instance: Wong shared an online petition on Facebook in which Law urged digital forensic firms to stop cooperating with local police. One such company subsequently announced it would halt sales of digital-intelligence products to customers in both the territory and the mainland, the prosecution noted. Wong confirmed in court that he agreed with the factual details read out by the prosecution team.
Wong first entered the public eye in 2012, still a high school student, when he helped lead demonstrations against national education in the school curriculum. His profile grew during the 2014 Occupy Movement, and in 2016 he co-founded the party Demosisto alongside Law, who that same year became the city’s youngest elected lawmaker. During the 2019 mass protests, Wong worked to secure overseas backing, including from the United States; Beijing responded by accusing him of having “begged for (foreign) interference.” Demosisto was disbanded once the security law was imposed in 2020.
FAQ
What law is Joshua Wong being prosecuted under? The 2020 national security statute imposed on the territory by Beijing, which covers offences including conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.
What sentence could he receive? The statutory range is three to ten years’ imprisonment, or life if the court determines the conduct is “of a grave nature.” A guilty plea typically opens the door to a reduced term.
Is this his first case under the statute? No. He is already serving a four-year, eight-month sentence from a separate national security prosecution linked to the 2020 unofficial primary.
What happened to his political party? Demosisto, which he co-founded in 2016, was disbanded after the 2020 security law took effect.
