Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, currently serving time in jail in Hong Kong, has faced additional accusations under the city’s controversial national security law. According to human rights groups, this move reflects an attempt by the Hong Kong government to keep activists like Wong imprisoned for extended periods. Wong, who has spent over four years behind bars either awaiting trial or serving time, is now accused of plotting with foreign entities—a charge he heard in court and did not challenge by applying for bail. The national security police claim they have apprehended a 28-year-old individual, also accusing them of transactions related to criminal activities.
The latest charge against Wong, as documented by Reuters and Hong Kong Free Press, involves allegations of conspiring with fellow activist Nathan Law—who is in exile—to encourage foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China. This obstruction of law and policy is considered a severe breach with potential detrimental consequences. The national security law, introduced by Beijing in 2020 following widespread pro-democracy protests, has faced criticism from foreign governments and rights organizations for its vague definitions and extensive scope, potentially misused to suppress dissent. Despite this, the Hong Kong government maintains that the law is necessary to restore order.
Wong is currently completing his sentences, which include a substantial term for his participation in the “Hong Kong 47” group’s unofficial pre-election primaries. Out of this group, only two were acquitted in November, at the conclusion of Hong Kong’s most notable national security trial to date. Maya Wong, associate director of the China program at Human Rights Watch, condemns the new charges against Joshua Wong as arbitrary and vicious. Amnesty International also warns that if found guilty, these charges could result in a life sentence for Wong.
The legal situation highlights the ongoing tensions between activists advocating for democracy and the government’s efforts to curb dissent through the broad application of the national security law.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/07/jailed-hong-kong-democracy-activist-joshua-wong-hit-with-new-charges
