Macau Jails Pro-Democracy Campaigner Au Kam San in Landmark Security Case

In the territory of Macau, a former lawmaker and prominent pro-democracy campaigner has received a prison sentence of 12 years and six months in what marks the enclave's first national security trial. Au Kam San, aged 69, was convicted of subversion against the state following proceedings that took place behind closed doors.

Prosecutors accused the former educator of collaborating with foreign entities by sharing politically subversive information over an extended period. Arrested in mid-2025, Au faced multiple charges relating to state subversion, foreign contacts, and confidentiality breaches, ultimately being found guilty on four of the seven counts during a three-day trial.

The Macau Legal Framework

Macau operated under Portuguese administration for over four centuries before its return to China in 1999. The territory established its original security legislation in 2009 to penalise treason, secession, and subversion. Amendments introduced in 2023 widened this legal scope to encompass non-violent secession, while recent updates enabled the court to conduct trials in secret.

Family members and legal observers noted that the proceedings lacked public transparency, with the court assigning representation rather than permitting chosen counsel. Virginia Cheang, Au's wife, publicly criticised the outcome as groundless persecution while expressing hope for communication rights.

Au Kam San received a 12-year prison sentence in Macau's first national security trial.

Before entering the legislature in 2001, Au worked as a teacher and later organised annual memorials marking the Tiananmen Square crackdown. His sentencing arrives shortly after Hong Kong delivered a lengthy prison term to activist Joshua Wong.

Why it matters

This ruling represents a major shift in the legal landscape of the region, demonstrating how national security legislation is actively enforced against long-standing political figures. The decision impacts the remaining framework for political dissent and public commemoration in the territory.