Hong Kong democracy activist Wong pleads guilty to foreign collusion

Hong Kong democracy advocate Joshua Wong admitted guilt on Wednesday in a second national security trial that could result in a life sentence, according to AFP journalists present in the courtroom. The 29-year-old, a prominent figure from Hong Kong's now-abolished democracy movement, is accused of soliciting foreign governments, individuals, or organizations to impose sanctions or engage in hostile actions against Hong Kong and China in 2020 following the introduction of a national security law by Beijing.

Wong is already incarcerated for a nearly five-year term for subversion and was scheduled for release the following year. Human rights organizations have contended that these additional charges, which could extend his incarceration indefinitely, aim to perpetually detain Wong. As the charges were read aloud, Wong remained seated in the courtroom, subsequently confirming his guilty plea with a smile and nod.

His supporters in the audience greeted him with shouts of "hang in there!" Prosecutors alleged that Wong and other activists had been using social media platforms to garner public attention and support.