Hong Kong, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Leading human rights organisations on Thursday condemned the 10-year prison sentence handed to Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, describing it as unjust and warning that the National Security Law was being used to punish dissent.
Amnesty International Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said Wong’s latest national security conviction reflected the continued persecution of the activist, coming just months before he was due to become eligible for release under his previous sentence.
“Joshua Wong’s bravery in speaking truth to power should be commended, but instead in Hong Kong it makes him a criminal. Today’s sentence is another grim reminder of how Hong Kong’s National Security Law has become a tool to punish dissent rather than to genuinely protect national security,” Brooks said.
She urged the international community to oppose the criminalisation of legitimate activism and press for the protection of human rights and the release of people imprisoned solely for exercising their rights. She also called on Hong Kong authorities to overturn Wong’s national security convictions and repeal legislation that violates the city’s international human rights obligations.
US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) also called for Wong’s immediate and unconditional release, describing the sentence handed down by the Hong Kong High Court as “cruel and unjust”.
HRW Asia Director Elaine Pearson said, “The harsh sentence on baseless charges against Joshua Wong is cruel and unjust.” She added, “Young people promoting social change are an asset for any vibrant society, but the Hong Kong government puts them behind bars.”
The reactions came after the Hong Kong High Court sentenced Wong to 10 years in prison on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to conspiring to collude with foreign forces under the China-imposed National Security Law.
According to Amnesty International, the case involved allegations that Wong conspired with self-exiled activist Nathan Law and “other persons unknown” between July and November 2020 to seek sanctions, blockades or other hostile actions against Hong Kong or China from foreign countries or organisations.
Wong was previously sentenced to four years and eight months in prison in 2024 for conspiracy to commit subversion. He was among 45 opposition figures jailed over their participation in unofficial primaries in 2020, charges that UN experts said related to activities protected under international human rights law. His previous sentence was scheduled to end in January next year.
FOLLOW NOW
