Democracy activist Joshua Wong pleads guilty in Hong Kong national security trial

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has pleaded guilty in a second national security trial, potentially facing a life sentence. The 29-year-old, a prominent figure of Hong Kong’s now-suspended democracy movement, is accused of seeking foreign interference against Hong Kong and China in 2020, following Beijing’s enactment of the national security law.

Wong, currently serving a nearly five-year sentence for subversion, was due for release next year. Rights groups believe the new charges aim to prolong his incarceration. Wong, seated in the courtroom dock, confirmed his guilty plea, smiling and nodding thanks to a supporter shouting encouragement from the public gallery. He is among numerous pro-democracy activists convicted in Hong Kong’s largest national security trial since their participation in informal elections in 2020.