The verdict has been delivered in the first national security case heard in Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China. Foreign media reported that former lawmaker Au Kam San has been sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison.
The trial was held behind closed doors. A Macau court found him guilty of charges including conspiring to subvert state power, violating state secrets, and colluding with foreign entities.
Key Points
- Former lawmaker Au Kam San sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison.
- This is the first known prosecution under the national security law enacted in 2009.
- He was convicted on multiple charges, including conspiring to subvert state power.
- Family members allege he was denied visits and access to a private lawyer.
The Law and Charges Leveled
This is regarded as the first publicized prosecution under Macau's national security law since its enactment in 2009. Au Kam San was arrested in 2025.
He was also accused of carrying out acts endangering national security by maintaining ties with organizations, groups, or individuals outside Macau.
Allegations from Family
His relatives alleged that after his arrest, he was not permitted any contact with family members or allowed access to legal counsel of his choice.
Reports further noted that the entire legal proceeding bears close similarities to the measures taken by China to crack down on the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.
