Joshua Wong Pleads Guilty to Foreign Collusion Charges in Hong Kong Court

Joshua Wong co-founded the political party Demosistō in April 2016. The party disbanded on June 30, 2020, after the enactment of the National Security Law, a Beijing-imposed measure. Wong has remained in custody since November 2020.

1. The court accepted the guilty plea on September 2, 2026, regarding charges of foreign collusion.

2. Prosecutors presented evidence that Wong lobbied foreign entities in 2020 to impose sanctions or blockades against Hong Kong and China. This activity formed the basis of the collusion charge.

3. The National Security Law establishes the legal framework for these charges. Collusion carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

4. Wong faced legal action for his role in an unofficial legislative council election poll in 2020. A court convicted him of subversion in 2024.

1. Human Rights Watch Asia director Elaine Pearson stated on September 2, 2026, that the charges against Wong aim to silence him and the broader pro-democracy movement. Pearson expressed concern about the government's intent in pursuing these charges.

2. Critics argue that the prosecution relies on advocacy performed before the National Security Law took effect. They claim this amounts to a retroactive application of the law.

3. Wong was serving a 4-year and 8-month sentence for subversion. Officials scheduled his release for January 2027. A new conviction now follows that sentence.

4. Prosecutors also accused Wong and co-defendant Nathan Law of promoting the US "Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act." This legislation took effect in November 2019. The charges create uncertainty regarding whether advocating for existing US laws constitutes collusion under the "National Security Law."