HONG KONG: Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, who became an international symbol of the city's fight for democratic rights, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on November 5 for colluding with foreign forces under the national security law imposed by Beijing.

Wong, now 30, was among several young activists whose political activities have been effectively banned under the law introduced in 2020 following months of sometimes violent anti-government protests.

High Court Judge William Tam said the punishment reflected the seriousness of the offence. The sentence was below the maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

"The punishment must fit the gravity of the crime," Tam told a crowded courtroom.

He said the court also needed to show the public's strong opposition to activities that involved working with foreign forces to threaten national security.

Wong was accused of conspiring with self-exiled activist Nathan Law and others to persuade foreign governments, organizations and individuals to impose sanctions, blockades or other hostile measures against China and Hong Kong.

He pleaded guilty to the charge in September.

The case has attracted international attention from human rights organizations and governments monitoring the use of Hong Kong's national security law, which Beijing introduced after the 2019 protests.

In February, media tycoon Jimmy Lai, one of Hong Kong's most outspoken critics of China, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for colluding with foreign forces and sedition. His trial also drew strong international criticism.

Wong appeared in court wearing a blue shirt and dark-framed glasses. Three correctional officers stood beside him as he repeatedly nodded towards supporters in the public gallery before the sentence was announced.

During the hearing, Wong denied supporting Hong Kong independence or seeking to overthrow China's government. He also rejected claims that he had received foreign funding or hired foreign political consultants.

He said he had eventually realized that his activities, which he had believed were lawful, had crossed legal boundaries.

Many supporters gathered inside and outside the court to witness the sentencing. One supporter, housewife ET Wong, said the severe punishment had created widespread fear among Hong Kong residents.

She said people were increasingly unsure whether their words, writings, drawings or other activities could lead to criminal charges.

Wong has been in detention since November 2020, when he pleaded guilty to charges of inciting and organizing an unauthorized assembly during the 2019 protests. He had been expected to be released in January next year.

Beijing has defended the national security law, saying it was necessary to restore stability and protect the city.

Steve Li, chief superintendent of the national security department, said Wong was not considered an enemy but needed to respect the law and understand his country.

Foreign contacts

Wong's meetings with politicians from the United States, Europe and other countries have angered Beijing, which has accused him of acting as a foreign agent and described him as a "black hand" working for outside forces.

Judge Tam said the offenses took place between July 1 and November 23, 2020, when Hong Kong faced serious threats to national security and the rule of law.

During a September hearing, prosecutors presented evidence of an international media and political campaign by Demosisto, a political party that Wong helped lead before it was disbanded.

The campaign sought foreign sanctions and other measures against Hong Kong and China during 2019 and 2020.

It included lobbying visits to Washington and meetings with senior American politicians, including Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Marco Rubio, then a senator.