Hong Kong:Taipei Taiwan's Presidential Office on Thursday condemned the 10-year prison sentence handed to Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and urged Beijing and Hong Kong authorities to release detained pro-democracy figures.

According to Focus Taiwan, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo criticized the use of the National Security Law by Beijing and Hong Kong authorities, stating that it was used to prosecute activists under the pretext of safeguarding national security, thereby violating residents' rights and freedoms. Kuo emphasized that seeking democracy should not be a crime and expressed Taiwan's support for those defending freedom and democracy.

The Hong Kong High Court sentenced Wong to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under the National Security Law, a sentence that was reduced from 13 years due to his guilty plea and other mitigating factors. Wong, who has previously served prison terms related to pro-democracy protests, has been in custody since November 2020. With the latest sentence, he is expected to remain in prison until 2036 unless granted a sentence reduction.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) also criticized the National Security Law, claiming it has been used to bring fabricated charges against activists, damaging Hong Kong's international reputation and undermining the rule of law. The MAC called for the release of those wrongfully detained and urged the protection of fundamental rights and freedom of expression for Hong Kong residents.

Chinese dissident Wang Dan described the ruling as "an extremely shameless verdict" in a social media post. He criticized the regime for targeting a young student, demonstrating insecurity and brutality, and called on the international community to focus on Hong Kong's human rights situation and the fate of political prisoners, including Wong and Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai. Wang also expressed wishes for Wong's strength and safety through his ordeal.