Joshua Wong Faces New “collusion” Charge Under Hong Kong Security Law

Updated June 07, 2025

hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, already imprisoned, now faces⁤ additional charges under the city’s National Security Law. The new ⁣charge accuses Wong of “conspiring to collude with⁣ foreign forces,” potentially carrying a life⁤ sentence.this⁤ development has sparked renewed criticism of the law and its impact on human rights and freedoms of expression.

The charge alleges that Wong,along with self-exiled activist Nathan Law⁢ and others,conspired between July ‍and november 2020 to encourage foreign entities ⁢to impose sanctions or antagonistic actions against Hong Kong and China. Wong ⁣was previously sentenced to nearly five years for “conspiracy to commit subversion” under the same law.

Sarah Brooks,⁣ Amnesty International’s China director, condemned the new charges, stating that the National Security Law is being weaponized to suppress ⁢freedoms. She emphasized the ⁣authorities’ fear of prominent ⁤dissidents and‍ their⁢ determination to keep them imprisoned, creating a chilling effect on civic activism in Hong Kong.

“hong Kong’s National ⁤Security ‍Law is turning five years ⁤old at the ⁤end of the month, and these new charges against Joshua Wong show that⁤ its capacity to be used by the Hong⁤ Kong authorities⁢ to threaten human rights in the city⁢ is as potent ⁤and present⁤ as ever.”

— Sarah Brooks, amnesty International

Since 2020,⁣ Hong kong’s⁣ human rights habitat has significantly declined, with over 300 individuals⁢ arrested for⁤ violating the National Security Law or a colonial-era “sedition”‍ law. Further legislation ⁢has intensified repression and⁢ silenced dissenting⁤ voices.

What’s next

Wong’s case will proceed through ⁤the ⁢Hong Kong legal system, but the⁢ implications⁢ extend beyond his individual fate. The international community will likely continue to scrutinize Hong Kong’s adherence to⁤ human rights standards and the application of the ⁤National Security Law.