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

The UK and US have condemned a 10-year prison sentence handed to Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, calling for his release. The case has renewed 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 was due for release in January 2027, but the new conviction comes months before that date. China urged foreign parties to stop commenting on Hong Kong judicial cases; critics also point to the UK-China agreement that promised Hong Kong 50 years of autonomy after the 1997 handover.