Jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been hit with new national security charges, including conspiracy to collude with a foreign country and dealing with proceeds of an indictable offense. Rights groups condemn this as an 'outrageous' attempt to keep the influential dissident imprisoned, potentially facing a life sentence. Wong, already serving sentences for protest-related activities, appeared in court on Friday and did not apply for bail.
Jailed Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong hit with new charges
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been hit with new national security charges, including conspiracy to collude with a foreign country and dealing with proceeds of an indictable offense. Rights groups condemn this as an 'outrageous' attempt to keep the influential dissident imprisoned, potentially facing a life sentence. Wong, already serving sentences for protest-related activities, appeared in court on Friday and did not apply for bail.
Trending- 1 2019: Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
- 2 2020: Hong Kong's national security law imposed by Beijing; 'Hong Kong 47' group held unofficial pre-election primaries.
- 3 November (unspecified year, likely 2023 or 2024): 'Hong Kong 47' cohort sentenced.
- 4 Friday: Joshua Wong appeared in court to hear new charges.
- 5 January 2027: Wong is due to be released from current sentences.
- 6 End of the month (June 2025): Hong Kong's national security law turns five years old.
- New charges for Joshua Wong
- Potential life sentence if found guilty
- Condemnation from rights groups
- Continued imprisonment of Wong
- Chilling effect on civic activism in Hong Kong
What: Joshua Wong, a jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, was charged with conspiracy to collude with a foreign country and dealing with property representing proceeds of an indictable offense under Hong Kong's national security law.
When: Friday (appeared in court); charges come under the national security law imposed in 2020; Wong is due to be released in January 2027; cohort sentenced in November (referring to 'Hong Kong 47' group).
Where: Hong Kong, China.
Why: Authorities are accused by rights groups of trying to keep influential dissidents like Wong behind bars for as long as possible, using the national security law to suppress dissent and restore order after 2019 protests.
How: Hong Kong national security police arrested Wong and brought him to court to hear the new charges.