UK and US condemn ‘cruel’ second jail term handed to Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong

New reactions have emerged after Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong received a second jail term, with the UK and US condemning the 10-year sentence and calling for his release. The case has intensified criticism that Hong Kong’s national security law is being used to punish political expression and dissent.

Wong, 30, pleaded guilty to foreign collusion and is the only person prosecuted twice under the law. He has spent six years in detention and had been due for release in January 2027, but the new sentence was handed down months before that date. China told foreign parties to stop making comments about Hong Kong judicial cases; critics say the case also highlights concerns over the promised 50 years of autonomy after the 1997 handover.