By Salma El-Sakka
Macao’s first national security case concluded Friday with former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison following a closed-door trial that critics say raises fairness concerns.
Charges and verdict
A Macao court found Au, 69, guilty of subverting state power, breaching confidentiality and establishing contact with organizations outside the territory to commit acts endangering national security. The court said he had long assisted “hostile organizations” in collecting and disseminating political views aimed at inciting hatred against the central government and overthrowing the country’s fundamental system.
Background of the defendant
Au, a former teacher, served in Macao’s legislature for 20 years before stepping down in 2021. He was also an organizer of the territory’s annual commemoration of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Before his arrest, he was a rare public voice in Macao criticizing government policies on social media and in interviews.
Trial conducted behind closed doors
The trial was held in September behind closed doors at the request of the Public Prosecutions Office and with approval from the city’s national security committee, led by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai. Authorities said the closure was necessary to protect national security interests. Au was represented by a court-appointed lawyer; his family said a privately hired lawyer was denied access and they could not communicate with him for nearly a year.
Context of Macao’s security law
Macao enacted its national security law in 2009, years before a similar law was imposed on Hong Kong. The former Portuguese colony returned to Chinese rule in 1999 and operates as a special administrative region with its own legal system. It is the only Chinese city where casino gambling is legal, hosting resorts operated by affiliates of major American gaming companies.
