Hong Kong Activist Joshua Wong Pleads Guilty in National Security Case; USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Thailand After Long Deployment; Ray Hadley Testifies in High-Profile Court Case > 월드뉴스

Joshua Wong, a prominent pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring to seek foreign sanctions against Hong Kong and China, a charge under national security law that could lead to a life sentence. Prosecutors allege that the 29-year-old collaborated with exiled activist Nathan Law to lobby foreign governments for sanctions. The court was informed that Wong had traveled abroad to meet with politicians and continued to advocate for sanctions even after the national security law was enacted. Wong has been imprisoned since November 2020 and was previously sentenced in 2022 for conspiracy to commit subversion. As he entered the courtroom, he waved to supporters, wearing a blue shirt and black-rimmed glasses. His sentencing is pending, and the charge carries a potential prison term of three to ten years, or life imprisonment if deemed serious. Supporters outside the court voiced concerns over the fairness of the trial, criticizing the judicial system as compromised. Wong is the only activist prosecuted twice under the national security law, with supporters arguing that the prosecution is retroactive.

The USS Abraham Lincoln, a US aircraft carrier, arrived at Laem Chabang port in Thailand on Wednesday after a grueling 270-day deployment. The vessel's crew of 5,000 faced deteriorating living conditions and mental health issues during their time at sea, which included attempted suicides and sparked international criticism of US military operations in the Middle East. The aircraft carrier, initially deployed to the South China Sea, was redirected to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran. Security was heightened in Pattaya, a city known for its historical ties to US military personnel, as preparations were made to welcome the sailors. The crew will disembark in groups, and local authorities have made arrangements for transportation. Pattaya, once a quiet fishing village, has evolved into a major tourist destination, largely influenced by the presence of American troops during the Vietnam War. Although sex work remains illegal in Thailand, the city has a long-standing reputation for nightlife and entertainment, which authorities have recently attempted to regulate.

Broadcaster Ray Hadley testified in a Sydney court that he used a homophobic slur against his colleague Alan Jones after a lucrative contract to replace him was withdrawn. Hadley stated that he had been informed Jones had instructed colleagues to gather damaging information about him. During his testimony, Hadley admitted to calling Jones derogatory names, including a homophobic slur, during a confrontation in 2019. Jones, facing multiple charges of indecent assault, has pleaded not guilty. Hadley acknowledged his animosity towards Jones and claimed that his career was not affected by the contract offer being rescinded. The trial, which has drawn significant media attention, is ongoing, with Hadley maintaining that his current role and salary are satisfactory. Jones's defense has characterized the case as driven by jealousy and media sensationalism, claiming Hadley aimed to undermine Jones's reputation.