In an editorial this week, the New York Times warned jailing the three would create Hong Kong’s first “political prisoners.”

In a statement, US Senator Marco Rubio, chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), denounced the “political prosecutions” of Wong and others as “further evidence that Hong Kong’s cherished autonomy is precipitously eroding.”

“Beijing’s heavy hand is on display for all to see as they attempt to crush the next generation of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and undermine the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement.”

Rubio urged the Senate to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, a law he has been sponsoring which would allow the US to freeze assets and bar entry to those deemed responsible for “suppressing basic freedoms” in the city. Wong, 20, was sentenced to eight months in prison Thursday, reduced to six months on account of previous community service, while fellow defendants Nathan Law, 24, and Alex Chow, 26, were sentenced to 10 months, reduced to eight, and eight months, reduced to seven, respectively. SEE ALSO: Hong Kong: Tens of thousands gather for Tiananmen Square vigil

Many activists have condemned the Department of Justice for its pursuit of jail terms for activists who have only recently become adults. Remaining defiant after sentencing, Wong tweeted: "Imprisoning us will not extinguish Hongkongers' desire for universal suffrage." Wong is due to be sentenced on Thursday alongside former student leader Alex Chow and Nathan Law, 24, the youngest ever democratically elected lawmaker.
Hong Kong opposition activists Alex Chow, Joshua Wong, and Nathan Law are sentenced between six to eight months in prison and barred from holding office until 2022 as the Hong Kong government imposes harsher punishments on the individuals for their role in the Umbrella Movement.