Hong Kong student leader Wong convicted for democracy protests

Hong Kong student leader Joshua Wong was found guilty Thursday of participating in a protest that led to the city's mass pro-democracy rallies, in a case he has slammed as political persecution.

Teen protest leader Joshua Wong shouts slogans outside a magistrate's court in Hong Kong, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AAP) Source: AAP

The verdict comes as tensions remain high in the semi-autonomous city with fears growing that Beijing is tightening its grip.

Wong was convicted for taking part in an unlawful assembly after he and other students climbed into a Hong Kong government complex forecourt known as Civic Square on September 26, 2014.

That protest triggered wider rallies that exploded two days later when police fired tear gas to disperse crowds.

The verdict could see Wong jailed for up to five years.

Fellow student leaders Alex Chow and Nathan Law were also convicted over the same protest Thursday  - Chow for taking part and Law for inciting others to do so.