HK activist Joshua Wong rearrested for violating national security law

Imprisoned Joshua Wong rearrested for violating Beijing’s controversial national security law after 53 Democrats detained.

The move by Hong Kong authorities comes a day after the mass arrest of 53 pro-democracy figures.

Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been detained in jail for violating the controversial National Security Law in Hong Kong imposed last June by the Chinese government.

Joshua Wong, who was already in prison serving a 13-month sentence for organizing and participating in unauthorized proposal in 2019, was picked up to answer other charges against him, according to his Facebook page.

Another activist, Tam Tak-chi, was also arrested for uttering “seditious words.”

On Wednesday, 53 activists and members of the Democratic Party were arrested for organizing and participating in the unofficial primaries for the postponed Legislative Council election that was to be held last July.

According to the new National Security Law, acts of secession, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces can be punished with life imprisonment.

The law has come under strong international criticism, accused of being a hammer wielded to crush internal dissent.

One of those arrested is American human rights lawyer John Clancey, who works at Ho Tse Wai and Partners.

He was granted bail on Thursday, an associate said.

Former legislative council member Au Nok-hin was released on bail Wednesday while he was in quarantine for COVID-19 when he was arrested, NOW TV reported.

The rest of the group is expected to be released on bail Thursday without charges – for now – but most of them have had their passports confiscated, an anonymous source told the South China Morning Post.