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Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong told DW on Friday that he could face up to five years in prison if found guilty of instigating illegal protests last year.
Wong rose to prominence during pro-democracy demonstrations that were triggered by the Hong Kong government’s introduction of the Fugitive Criminals Amendment bill. The now aborted legislation would potentially have meant extradition of Hong Kong citizens to mainland China, where Wong and other activists believed residents would be subject to Beijing’s stricter approach to civil liberties.
Wong, whose trial begins on Monday, remained rebellious despite the threat of a lengthy prison sentence. “Prison bars have never stopped me from activism and from thinking critically. Even though more than 10,000 Hong Kongers have been arrested since last summer and 2,000 people – myself included – have been prosecuted, it is still important to we stay and fight “.
Read more: The UK says China has “broken its promises” on Hong Kong
Wong did not expect a fair trial
But Wong has little faith in the judicial process ahead of us. “Hong Kong courts are being interfered with by the Beijing authorities and Hong Kong’s rule of law exists in name only.”
Police arrested Wong on September 24 for attending an unauthorized assembly in October 2019, as well as for violating the city’s anti-mask law by covering his face during protests.
That arrest added to several allegations of illegal assembly, or suspected crimes of which he and other activists have been charged linked to last year’s protests.
“The greatest violator of human rights”
Despite the pressure, Wong showed no signs of easing by stating, “Whatever happens, challenging the greatest human rights abuser is essential to restoring democracy for our generation and the one that follows us.”
Wong hopes others will keep an eye on developments in Hong Kong if he goes to prison.
“It is important that the new [US] the administration holds China accountable. It is important to seek bipartisan support because supporting Hong Kong is not a question of right or left, it is a question of right or wrong. “
Read more: Opinion: Hong Kong’s rule of law has come to an end
“I just wish that during my absence, people around the world can continue to be with the people of Hong Kong by following developments closely, be it the canceled elections, large scale arrests under the National Security Act. and of the 12 activists detained. in China. “
Earlier last month, China formally approved the arrests of 12 Hong Kong activists captured last month as they tried to flee the former British colony for Taiwan.
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