Shein makes Hong Kong debut amid global scrutiny

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy charges, according to prosecutors. The offense involved alleged collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security under Beijing's national security law, which has curtailed the city's once-flourishing pro-democracy movement. This marks Wong's second prosecution related to the legislation, which was introduced in Hong Kong in 2020 to quell widespread anti-government protests.

Wong, who appeared thinner as he entered his plea, is expected to be sentenced later. The maximum penalty is three to 10 years in prison, though that could be extended to life imprisonment if the offense is deemed particularly egregious. Wong, who was already serving a four-year and eight-month sentence for a previous national security case, was accused of conspiring with fellow activist Nathan Law and others to solicit foreign countries or entities to impose sanctions, blockades, or engage in other hostile actions against Hong Kong or China between July 1 and November 23, 2020.

Wong, 29, co-founded the political party Demosisto in 2016 with Law, who became Hong Kong's youngest lawmaker that same year. His activism gained prominence during the 2014 Occupy Movement and later as a leader of the 2019 protests, during which he sought overseas support for the democracy movement. Beijing criticized Wong's actions, alleging he "begged for interference" from foreign countries.

Wong's case, along with others, has been seen as an example of the authorities' determination to silence prominent dissidents and stifle civic activism. Critics argue that his case demonstrates the government's resolve to suppress free speech and political dissent.