Joshua Wong, who celebrated his 30th birthday last month, has faced repeated imprisonment for activism that began during his teenage years.
On Thursday, Wong appeared in court dressed in a dark blue long-sleeved shirt, khaki trousers, and black-rimmed glasses, looking noticeably slimmer than in prior public appearances.
He acknowledged those in the crowded public gallery with a nod and took notes at intervals while the judge delivered the sentencing rationale.
Outside the courthouse, dozens of Hongkongers who had waited in line for hours sought entry to the public gallery, while a substantial police presence was maintained.
Wong is currently incarcerated for subversion and was scheduled for release early next year when the additional charges were brought; he pleaded guilty to them in September.
The judge stated on Thursday that two months and two days of the decade-long sentence will run concurrently with his existing term.
Prosecutors alleged that Wong conspired with fellow campaigners, including self-exiled activist Nathan Law, to advocate for foreign sanctions and blockades against Beijing.
The court heard that these activities occurred between July and late November 2020.
Wong and Law co-founded Demosisto, a pro-democracy political party that is now defunct.
Frances Hui, a friend and fellow activist now based in the United States, described herself as “heartbroken” and “outraged” by the ruling.
“This sentencing extends beyond Joshua,” she told the BBC. “It represents a broader political crackdown aimed at rewriting a chapter of Hong Kong’s history and erasing the contributions of a generation that believed it could shape the city’s future.”
Human Rights Watch characterized the ruling as “cruel and unjust.”
Elaine Pearson, the organization’s Asia director, said: “To keep Hong Kong society subdued and minimize international backlash, the Hong Kong government appears to be stacking charges against influential pro-democracy leaders.”
The stiffest penalty imposed under the contentious national security law to date belongs to former media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who received a 20-year prison term for colluding with foreign forces.
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