Macao Courts Give Ex-Legislator 12.5 Years in First National Security Conviction
Former lawmaker Au Kam San received the territory's first prison term under the 2009 security law after a September trial held behind closed doors.
By Adriana Abebe ·
A former Macao lawmaker faces 12.5 years in prison following a verdict delivered Friday in the territory's first national security case. The sentence marks the first publicly known prosecution under the local security statute enacted in 2009. Au Kam San, 69, was found guilty of subverting state power, breaching confidentiality, and coordinating with outside groups to endanger national security.
The court statement detailed that Au assisted and cooperated with hostile organizations for a prolonged period. It alleged he collected and disseminated political views and false information with the intent to incite hatred against the central government. Prosecutors argued the actions aimed to overthrow and undermine the country's fundamental system.
Au's legal team and family members described the process as opaque. The trial took place in September behind closed doors, with the judge citing national security interests as the reason for excluding the public. A court-appointed lawyer represented Au during the proceedings, and the court noted he exercised his right to a defense.
Virginia Cheang, Au's wife, issued a public letter criticizing the verdict. She described the case as a political trial designed to humiliate her husband's character. She requested that authorities allow the family to exchange letters and visit Au regularly without conditions.
Au Hon I, his daughter residing in London, told The Associated Press that her father is a peaceful family man. She expressed frustration that a lawyer previously arranged by the family could not see him. She characterized the ruling as a frightening precedent for citizen rights in the special administrative region.
Jorge Menezes, a Macao-based Portuguese lawyer, noted that specific details regarding the overseas organizations and information involved were never revealed in open court. He argued that court statements suggesting Au admitted to criminal facts were misleading because he did not formally plead guilty. Menezes stated that the case serves as a warning to residents who challenge local authorities.
Michael Polak, Au's international counsel, urged Portugal and the European Union to demand that the Portuguese citizen be allowed to leave Macao. Polak described the sentence as effectively life for someone of Au's age. He warned that if Au remains in the territory, he could die in prison.
The court found that between 2023 and 2024, Au helped overseas groups spread distorted information. The goal was to induce foreign nations to take hostile actions against China and Macao. The ruling also stated that as a lawmaker in 2021, Au leaked confidential information from closed-door committee meetings regarding gaming license renewals.
Au served in the legislature for 20 years before stepping down in 2021. He was a teacher before entering politics and organized commemorations for the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. He was known for regularly criticizing government measures on social media, though many observers viewed his critiques as mild.
The Macao government supported the ruling and urged all sectors to respect it. The administration stated it would continue to strictly enforce the security law. Beijing's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said the decision demonstrated the territory's resolve in safeguarding national security.
China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement firmly opposing external forces using individual cases as a pretext for interference. The ministry emphasized that the ruling serves as a reminder to remain vigilant about risks even during periods of stability. Macao operates as a special administrative region where casino gambling is legal, hosting resorts from major American gaming companies.
