Slapped with More Prison Time: Joshua Wong Faces Another Lifetime in Jail for His Pro-Democracy Activism in Hong Kong
Imprisoned democracy activist Joshua Wong faced new charges in Hong Kong
In a chilling blow to democracy activism, the infamous democracy activist, Joshua Wong, is once again facing the wrath of Beijing in Hong Kong's courts. The latest charge comes under the controversial national security law imposed by China and could potentially add a life sentence to his already serving time.
The AFP news agency reported on the indictment filed against Wong on Friday. It accused him of soliciting foreign states, entities, or individuals to impose sanctions, blockades, or other hostile activities against Hong Kong and China. Moreover, Wong and other unidentified individuals reportedly conspired to seriously disrupt the formulation and implementation of laws or political measures in the region.
Appearing briefly in court, Wong acknowledged the charges but remained silent, according to local media reports. The case has been adjourned until August 8.
Wong, still one of the most recognizable faces of the crushed democracy movement, already serves a sentence for subversion. His involvement in student-led protests and large-scale, sometimes violent democracy protests in the past makes him a marked man.
Hong Kong, once renowned for its free speech, has undergone an alarming transformation since Beijing imposed the security law in 2020. The crackdown on pro-democracy activists and Beijing critics has intensified, with many opposition figures fleeing abroad, while others have been arrested and handed long prison terms.
[1] Joshua Wong Charged Under the National Security Law for Colluding with Foreign Forces[2] Joshua Wong Faces Life in Prison for National Security Offenses[3] Free Joshua Wong: A Global Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights
Source: ntv.de, AFP
- The Commission, in light of recent events, has been tasked to weigh in on a proposal for a directive aimed at safeguarding workers from the risks stemming from exposure to ionizing radiation, as concerns mount over increasing political and legal pressure faced by pro-democracy activists – such as Joshua Wong – in Hong Kong.
- In the midst of war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and general-news headlines dominating the global stage, the struggle for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong persists, with Joshua Wong standing trial for conspiring to seriously disrupt laws and political measures, potentially risking another life sentence in a prison already overcrowded with democracy activists.
