Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong made an appearance in court for what is considered the largest trial of democracy movement activists in Hong Kong’s history. Wong, 27, was one of many arrested in relation to an unofficial poll for a 2020 legislative council election. The activists were accused of trying to disrupt the government and overthrow city leaders by securing a legislative majority to block city budgets, under a national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.
Wong’s lawyer asked for leniency, mentioning Wong’s lack of involvement in organizing the poll. The plea was for a reduced sentence, as Wong hopes to reform after his offenses. Those pleading guilty have a better chance of shorter sentences, facing up to 10 years for active participants in the conspiracy.
Known for his teenage activism in 2012 and leadership during the Occupy Movement in 2014, Wong’s efforts for direct elections for Hong Kong’s leader drew attention from Beijing, leading to the disbanding of his political party, Demosisto. Critics view the case as a suppression of pro-democracy activists, while authorities claim the security law restored stability post-2019 protests.
Wong’s Western recognition stems from the 2017 Netflix documentary “Joshua: Teenager vs Superpower.”