**Jailed HK Activist Joshua Wong Pleads Guilty to Foreign Collusion Charges**
**Hong Kong, September 2, 2026** – Prominent pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty to charges of collusion with foreign entities, a serious offense under Hong Kong's National Security Law (NSL) that could result in a life sentence. The 29-year-old Wong, a well-known figure in the city's pro-democracy movement, is currently serving a sentence of four years and eight months for subversion, another violation of the NSL, which he was convicted of in late 2024.
The court proceedings on Tuesday revealed that Wong's latest charges stem from actions taken between July and November 2020, a period marked by heightened tensions following the introduction of the NSL by Beijing. Prosecutors allege that Wong conspired with other activists, including Nathan Law, who is currently in exile, to solicit foreign governments to impose sanctions against China and Hong Kong officials. These activities included international lobbying trips to countries such as the United States, Germany, and Italy.
Wong and Law were among the founders of the pro-democracy party Demosistō in April 2016, and both ran for seats in the Hong Kong Legislative Council elections the same year. The prosecution also highlighted their involvement in promoting the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, a U.S. federal law enacted in November 2019, which mandates sanctions against officials deemed responsible for human rights violations in Hong Kong.
Despite the disbandment of Demosistō, Wong has remained steadfast in his political beliefs, continuing to seek international support for the pro-democracy cause. During the court session, Wong did not contest the allegations against him. He appeared in court wearing a dark blue shirt and dark-rimmed glasses, and his supporters, numbering around 40, gathered to show their solidarity. Many shouted messages of encouragement, including "Hang in there, Joshua!" Wong responded with smiles and nods from the dock.
Supporters of Wong, including fellow activists and friends, expressed their hopes for a lenient sentence, noting that Wong has already spent over 2,000 days in prison. Tsang Kin-shing, a former member of the now-dissolved League of Social Democrats, emphasized Wong's lengthy imprisonment and the need for compassion in sentencing. Fellow activist Louis Lee remarked on the disheartening nature of Wong facing another NSL charge while already incarcerated, but also noted that Wong has been pursuing new interests during his time in prison, such as learning to play the guitar and maintaining a fitness regimen.
The court has yet to announce a sentencing date for Wong's latest guilty plea. His earlier sentence is set to conclude early next year, and the implications of this new charge could significantly affect his future.
The NSL, implemented by Beijing in 2020, has been widely criticized by human rights advocates and international observers for its perceived role in suppressing dissent and eroding freedoms in Hong Kong. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong maintain that the law is essential for maintaining stability in the region.
As one of the most recognizable faces of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, Wong's legal battles continue to draw attention to the ongoing struggle for political freedoms in the territory. His case remains emblematic of the broader challenges faced by activists under the current political climate.