Joshua Wong Admits Guilt in National Security Case, Faces Life Sentence

Joshua Wong, a leading figure in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, has pleaded guilty to a charge of foreign collusion in a national security case that could result in a life sentence. The 29-year-old activist entered his plea at the High Court in Admiralty on Wednesday. He is accused of soliciting foreign nations to impose sanctions or engage in hostile actions against China and Hong Kong in 2020, following the enactment of the national security law by Beijing. This charge carries a potential prison term of three to ten years, or life imprisonment if deemed serious enough. Wong is currently serving a nearly five-year sentence for subversion, with his release anticipated next year. He gained international recognition during the Umbrella Movement protests in 2014, which were pivotal in shaping the pro-democracy landscape in Hong Kong. Wong co-founded Demosisto, a political party that was dissolved in 2020 on the same day the national security law was enacted. Prosecutors indicated that Wong had publicly called for international sanctions against China and had met with foreign politicians, including former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. After the charges were presented, Wong affirmed his plea to the judge, who indicated that sentencing would occur soon, although no specific date was provided. The courtroom was attended by several Western diplomats. Wong's case follows the recent convictions of two other activists for inciting subversion, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.