Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Primary Case Inmate Detained for 20 Hours Upon Arrival in Japan

(CNA Taipei, June 29) -- Joshua Wong, who was convicted under the National Security Law in the Hong Kong pro-democracy primary case and is scheduled for release in 2025, faced an immigration review of approximately 20 hours upon arrival at Japan's Haneda Airport on June 16. According to a report by Japan's Sankei Shimbun, immigration officials stated that because he had been sentenced to over one year in prison, further scrutiny was required.

Wong, a former convenor of the Hong Kong Civil Human Rights Front, was convicted of subversion of state power under the National Security Law in the pro-democracy primary case and sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in prison. He is scheduled for release on May 30, 2025.

The Sankei Shimbun reported on June 29 that Wong traveled to Japan on June 16 to celebrate his birthday and travel with his family. He was scheduled to stay until June 20 and planned to visit places like Kamakura.

The report stated that upon arriving at Haneda Airport on the afternoon of June 16, immigration officials informed Wong that because he had been sentenced to "over one year in prison," a detailed inquiry would be conducted.

Wong explained that he presented news reports and court judgment documents related to the pro-democracy primary case to the officials, stating, "This is not a typical criminal case involving murder, arson, or theft, but a highly political one."

At the time, officials indicated that a special review would be necessary, potentially lasting 3 to 4 days. Wong's family members entered the country first, while Wong remained alone at the airport. The review continued through the night, forcing Wong to spend the night at the airport. On the morning of the 17th, officials stated he was still "under review." His passport was returned around noon, and he was granted entry. Officials reconfirmed that he was required to depart on June 20.

Wong mentioned that after his release, he had traveled to South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, but had never experienced such a prolonged detention.

Regarding the actions of the Japanese immigration authorities, Wong expressed that the immigration officers were professional and friendly. He also noted that one cannot expect all Japanese immigration officers to be fully aware of the situation in Hong Kong.

Wong stated that during his detention at Haneda Airport, he sought assistance from Hong Kong residents in Japan, and individuals connected to the Japanese government, including a former member of parliament, also helped explain the situation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice.

However, Wong expressed concern about potentially facing similar issues on future entries into Japan. He stated that he respects the Japanese government's right to review individuals with criminal convictions but emphasized the unique political background of National Security Law cases in Hong Kong. He hopes Japan will consider establishing a system that allows individuals involved in National Security Law cases to enter the country smoothly after completing necessary procedures.

In response to inquiries from the Sankei Shimbun regarding this incident, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan stated that it is not convenient to comment on individual cases. (Editor: Chen Kai-yu / Chen Cheng-kung) 1150629

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