Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong sentenced to 10 more years

Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong was sentenced to an additional ten years in prison on Thursday for allegedly colluding with foreign powers, according to prosecutors. Wong, who gained international recognition during the 2014 "Umbrella Movement" protests in Hong Kong, has been incarcerated for nearly six years and is expected to be released in late 2036.

The 30-year-old, previously slated for release in January after serving four years and eight months for "subversion" under a Beijing-imposed national security law, was charged again in June last year for collaborating with other nations and entities to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. The court described Wong and fellow student leader Nathan Law as "two ring-leaders or masterminds" of a conspiracy to endanger national security.

Wong initially faced a potential life sentence due to the gravity of his offense, but the judge reduced the starting point to 13 years before sentencing him to 10 years due to his guilty plea. The sentencing took place under heavy police presence, and Wong left the courtroom calmly, waving to supporters before they wept and vowed to wait for his release.

The charges against Wong are deemed "bogus" and "cruel and unjust" by Human Rights Watch, which urged foreign governments to denounce the sentences and impose targeted sanctions on officials responsible for Hong Kong's increasing repression.