Former Macao Legislator Sentenced to 12.5 Years in First National Security Trial

Au Kam San, a 69-year-old former lawmaker, received a sentence of 12 and a half years in prison on Friday. The verdict concludes the first publicly known prosecution under Macao's national security law since the statute was enacted in 2009. A local court ruled that Au committed subversion of state power, breached confidentiality, and coordinated with outside entities to endanger national security.

The trial took place in September behind closed doors. The judge cited national security interests as the reason for limiting public access to the proceedings. The court stated that Au worked with hostile organizations for a long period to collect and spread political views. It found that he aimed to incite hatred against the central government and to undermine the country's fundamental system. The ruling noted that while Au admitted to parts of the facts, his intent was high and the consequences were serious.

Virginia Cheang, Au's wife, released a public letter criticizing the process. She described the case as a political trial and a groundless persecution intended to humiliate her husband's character. Cheang said the family only hopes to exchange letters and visit Au regularly without conditions. Her daughter in London, Au Hon I, told the Associated Press that the ruling sets boundaries for citizens. She said the thought of her father spending more time in prison without criminal intent was unbearable.

Jorge Menezes, a Portuguese lawyer practicing in Macao, noted that the secret trial left specific details hidden. He said the public did not learn which organizations were involved or what information Au provided. Menezes argued that the court's statement that Au acknowledged some facts might mislead people into thinking he pleaded guilty. He said the case sends a message to residents that challenging authorities is risky. He also suggested Macao is serving as a laboratory for Hong Kong in these legal matters.

Michael Polak, Au's international counsel, urged Portugal and the European Union to demand that the Portuguese citizen be allowed to leave Macao. Polak said a sentence of that length for a man of that age is effectively a life sentence. He warned that Au could die in prison if he remains in the territory.

The court found that Au helped overseas groups spread distorted information between 2023 and 2024. The goal was to induce foreign countries to take hostile actions against China and Macao. The ruling also said Au leaked confidential information from 2021 committee meetings regarding gaming license renewals. Au served in the legislature for 20 years before stepping down in 2021. He was known as a mild pro-democracy voice who organized commemorations for the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

The Macao government supported the ruling and urged all sectors to respect it. The government said it will continue to strictly enforce the security law. Beijing's office for Hong Kong and Macao affairs said the verdict demonstrates the territory's resolve to safeguard national security. China's Foreign Ministry said it firmly opposes external forces using individual cases to interfere in Macao's affairs.