Joshua Wong sentenced to an additional ten years in prison

A Hong Kong court sentenced pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, who has already been imprisoned for nearly six years, to an additional ten years on Thursday for collusion with foreign countries under the national security law.

Wong faced up to life in prison for this charge. The court handed down a final sentence of ten years in prison, which extends his detention until 2036.

The activist had pleaded guilty in September and stated that he hoped to be released from prison in January 2027. He added that these new charges of collusion make him feel like he is back to square one, emphasizing that he does not let his past behind bars define his future.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee stated that Wong shows "total contempt" for the law. The NGO Human Rights Watch described the sentence as "cruel and unjust," calling on foreign governments to impose targeted sanctions against those responsible for the growing repression in Hong Kong.

Director of the China Institute, Steve Tsang, believes that Beijing identified Joshua Wong as one of the main leaders of an "open rebellion" in 2019 and that he will serve as an example to demonstrate China's control over Hong Kong.