By Fatma Younis
The United Kingdom and the United States have condemned a 10-year prison sentence handed to Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, with Washington calling for his immediate release and London accusing authorities of using the national security law to punish political expression.
International condemnation
Wong, 30, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to conspiring to collude with foreign forces under Hong Kong’s Beijing-imposed National Security Law. He has been in detention since December 2020 and was previously expected to be released in January 2027. A UK Foreign Office spokesperson described the sentence as “a clear example of how the National Security Law is being used to target individuals for political expression and participation,” urging an immediate end to unjust prosecutions and calling on China and Hong Kong to honour rights guaranteed under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The US consulate in Hong Kong “strongly condemns” the additional sentence and demanded Wong’s immediate release, stating he has been unjustly imprisoned since December 2020. The European Union also deplored what it called a politically motivated sentence, saying the timing and nature of the charges demonstrate a deterioration in the rule of law in Hong Kong.
Beijing and Hong Kong responses
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Wong pleaded guilty in the face of overwhelming evidence and that Beijing firmly supports Hong Kong in safeguarding national security. The ministry demanded that “relevant parties” respect China’s sovereignty and Hong Kong’s legal system. The Hong Kong government rejected the US consulate’s remarks as “groundless attacks and smears” and “despicable political manipulation,” maintaining the court’s decision was well-reasoned and necessary to deter activities endangering national security. Hong Kong leader John Lee earlier described Wong and his associates as “primary culprits responsible for undermining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.”
Human rights groups react
Human Rights Watch’s Asia director Elaine Pearson called the harsh sentence on baseless charges “cruel and unjust,” while Amnesty International’s deputy regional director Sarah Brooks said the conviction is another reminder that the national security law has become a tool to punish dissent rather than protect national security.
Sentencing details
The new sentence is expected to keep Wong behind bars until late 2036, when he will be 40. Two months and two days will run concurrently with his existing sentence of four years and eight months for conspiracy to commit subversion related to an unofficial democratic primary in 2020. The latest conviction relates to allegations that Wong worked with others to encourage foreign governments to impose sanctions against Hong Kong and China, with the prosecution citing his international lobbying, media appearances, and social media activity. Wong’s lawyer, Derek Chan, had urged the court to impose a sentence that would leave his client some hope, noting his wish to care for his parents after release.
