By Salma El-Sakka
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, 30, was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under Beijing's national security law. The sentencing marks his second conviction under the legislation that has effectively dismantled the movement he once led.
Early activism and Scholarism
Wong first rose to prominence as a 15-year-old high school student in 2012 when he led the group Scholarism in protests against a proposed national education curriculum. Thousands gathered outside government headquarters, and the administration eventually shelved the plan.
Umbrella Movement and Demosisto
He became a leading figure in the 2014 Umbrella Movement, a 79-day occupation of major thoroughfares demanding direct elections for the city's leader. In 2016, Wong co-founded the political party Demosisto, advocating for self-determination, but the party disbanded when the national security law took effect.
Previous convictions and latest sentence
In 2024, Wong received a sentence of four years and eight months for his role in an unofficial primary election held in 2020. The latest 10-year term follows his arrest in June 2025 on collusion charges; he had been expected to be released as early as January 2027 before the new charges were filed.
Colleagues describe personal growth in prison
Former Scholarism member Louis Lee, who visits Wong regularly, says he has softened behind bars, dedicating time to reading, university courses, and learning guitar. Scholar Chan Kin-man, who corresponded with Wong, notes his increasing reflectivity and maturity, citing Wong's reference to letters by Czech dissident Václav Havel.
