UK and US denounce 10‑year jail term for Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong

The United Kingdom and the United States condemned a 10‑year prison sentence imposed on Hong Kong pro‑democracy activist Joshua Wong, the Guardian reported. The Foreign Office said the sentence shows the city’s security law is being used to “target individuals for political expression”. Wong, 30, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to “foreign collusion” under the national security legislation. He is the only person to have been prosecuted twice under the law, which critics say has been used to silence political opposition in the city. Both governments described the punishment as “cruel” and called for Wong’s immediate release, urging respect for basic freedoms in Hong Kong.

Why it matters

The case illustrates international concern that Hong Kong’s national security law is being applied to curb political dissent.

Key details

Location

Hong Kong · Asia

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

5 Nov 2026, 20:08 IST

Key names

Joshua Wong, UK, Foreign Office

Section

World

Figure cited

Wong, 30, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to “foreign collusion” under the law. (The Guardian)

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianUK and US condemn ‘cruel’ second jail term handed to Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong 5 Nov, 20:08

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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