November 6, 2026
[Seoul, Korea] The Asia Democracy Network (ADN) strongly condemns the sentencing of Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong to 10 years’ imprisonment on 5 November 2026 under the National Security Law, following his conviction for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. Wong, who has been in detention since 2020, was already serving a four year and eight month sentence for his participation in the 2020 unofficial pro-democracy primary and had been expected to be released in January 2027. This latest sentence will keep him imprisoned until 2036, further extending the detention of one of Hong Kong’s most prominent democracy activists. The severity of the sentence, particularly in the context of his existing imprisonment, raises serious concerns about the use of national security legislation to suppress political opposition and peaceful democratic advocacy.
The case illustrates how international advocacy can be reframed as “foreign collusion.” The prosecution concerned allegations that Wong conspired with exiled activist Nathan Law and others to request foreign sanctions, blockades or other measures against the Hong Kong and Chinese governments. ADN is deeply concerned that prosecuting peaceful lobbying and international engagement under national security legislation criminalizes activities that should be protected as political expression. Such an approach risks treating advocacy for democratic reform as a threat to the state and deterring engagement with the international community.
Wong’s sentence must also be understood within the wider erosion of fundamental freedoms and democratic space in Hong Kong since the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020. His imprisonment forms part of a sustained crackdown on the pro-democracy movement. ADN is concerned that extending the imprisonment of such a prominent activist will further intimidate those who seek to organize, speak out, advocate for reform or engage with international institutions. The consequences extend beyond Wong himself, sending a chilling message to others who wish to participate peacefully in public life.
ADN calls for Joshua Wong’s immediate and unconditional release and for an end to the prosecution and imprisonment of people solely for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights. Hong Kong authorities must uphold freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and political participation, and ensure that national security legislation is not used to suppress peaceful dissent.
ADN urges the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and relevant UN human rights mechanisms, particularly the Special Rapporteurs on freedom of opinion and expression and on the situation of human rights defenders, to urgently raise Wong’s case with the Hong Kong authorities and call for his release. They should also scrutinize the continued use of national security legislation against democracy advocates and human rights defenders.
ADN stands in solidarity with Joshua Wong and all those who continue to defend democracy and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.
Peaceful democratic advocacy is not a crime. Free Joshua Wong. Free all those imprisoned for peacefully defending democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.
