Joshua Wong, a leading figure in Hong Kong's student and political movement, pleaded guilty in a city court for colluding with foreign forces. The pro-democracy activist is one of the most well-known voices of opposition to Beijing's interference in the affairs of the Chinese semi-autonomous territory.
Wong is charged under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in Hong Kong in 2020. This law was implemented after the large pro-democracy protests of 2019 and criminalizes activities considered subversive or separatist, as well as collaboration with foreign forces.
The trial takes place amid a context of increasing crackdown on opposition in Hong Kong. In recent weeks, other prominent activists such as Agnes Chow and others have also been tried under the same controversial legislation.
If found guilty, Joshua Wong risks being sentenced to life imprisonment, the maximum penalty provided by the National Security Law for crimes of secession and colluding with foreign forces.
