Joshua Wong Pleads Guilty to Second National Security Charge, Facing Potential Life Sentence
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty to a second national security charge, conspiring to seek foreign sanctions against China and Hong Kong. The 29-year-old, who has been imprisoned since November 2020, faces a sentence ranging from three to 10 years, or life if deemed grave. This follows his 2024 conviction for subversion, where he received a four-year, eight-month sentence. Prosecutors allege Wong collaborated with exiled activist Nathan Law to lobby foreign governments, including the US, Germany, and Italy, for sanctions. While supporters argue the case is retroactive and politically motivated, Beijing maintains the National Security Law is necessary for stability. Wong’s plea marks the second time he has been prosecuted under the law, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.
