A prominent Hong Kong former civil rights leader and current affairs commentator, Wong On-yin, was formally charged and remanded in custody Tuesday at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on suspicion of obstructing a national security investigation and publishing seditious materials. The case, involving allegations of wrongful disclosure during a police inquiry and generating online content intended to incite hatred, marks a significant application of Hong Kong’s new national security framework. Wong, 71, was denied bail by Chief Magistrate So Wai-tak, who adjourned the proceedings until Jan. 26, 2026, allowing authorities time to examine extensive digital evidence.
Wong, previously a deputy convener of the now-disbanded Civil Human Rights Front, faces two primary charges. The first alleges he unlawfully disclosed details of a police interview related to an active national security case during a YouTube broadcast on Dec. 3, 2025. Prosecutors indicated this conduct violated Article 88 of the newly enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which specifically targets acts hindering national security investigations. This marks the first prosecution brought by the National Security Department specifically citing this article.
Allegations of Seditious Content on YouTube
The second charge, spanning from Jan. 3 to Dec. 6, 2025, accuses Wong of knowingly publishing seditious material via his YouTube channel. This material allegedly included statements, photographs, images, and videos intended to provoke hatred, contempt, or disaffection toward key governmental and constitutional structures. Specifically, the prosecution claims Wong sought to incite hostility toward the central government of the People’s Republic of China, the HKSAR’s constitutional order, and its executive, legislative, and judicial bodies.
Prosecutors cited remarks Wong made online concerning the fatal fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po as content intended to incite widespread dissatisfaction against the HKSAR and central governments. The charges further allege the material attempted to persuade the public to utilize illegal means to alter lawfully established matters concerning the governance of Hong Kong and encouraged non-compliance with local laws or lawful orders.
During the hearing, the prosecution requested an almost eight-week adjournment, stating that police require substantial time to analyze Wong’s digital devices and review more than 2,400 videos he has published since March 2024.
Despite holding legal qualifications and representing himself during his 30-minute personal bail application, the magistrate rejected Wong’s bid to be released pending trial. Chief Magistrate So upheld the prosecution’s opposition to bail, remanding the former activist until the January court date.
This prosecution underscores the breadth and application of the new national security legislation in Hong Kong, focusing not only on direct acts against the state but also on digital commentary and the obligation of individuals undergoing investigation to maintain confidentiality regarding police enquiries. The case sets an important precedent for how the courts will handle charges of obstructing national security probes under the recent ordinance.