A court in Macao sentenced former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San to 12.5 years in prison on Friday. The sentencing followed a closed-door trial on charges of subverting state power, breaching confidentiality, and contacting organizations outside Macao to endanger national security. The case represents the first publicly known prosecution under the city’s national security law since its enactment in 2009.
Au, 69, served in the Macao legislature for 20 years before stepping down in 2021. He was arrested in 2023. A court statement said Au collaborated with "hostile organizations" to disseminate political views aimed at subverting state power and inciting hatred against the central government. The court also found that Au leaked confidential information obtained during closed-door committee meetings regarding the renewal of casino gaming licenses in 2021.
During the proceedings, the judge ordered a closed trial to prevent the undermining of national security interests. Au's wife, Virginia Cheang, characterized the legal process as a "political trial" and "groundless persecution" in a public letter. His daughter, Au Hon I, stated that a family-arranged lawyer was unable to see him, though the court maintained that an approved lawyer was appointed and that Au exercised his right to a defense.
For the ordinary resident or visitor, the verdict marks a change in the legal boundaries of political expression. While Macao's pro-democracy movement has historically been less influential than Hong Kong's, legal analysts like Jorge Menezes suggest the case serves as a message to anyone challenging authority. The conviction for leaking gaming license information impacts the transparency of the city's primary industry, which includes affiliates of U.S. companies like MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, and Wynn Resorts.
The knock-on effects extend to neighboring Hong Kong, as analysts describe Macao as a "laboratory" for how security policies might be implemented in other Chinese financial hubs. The Macao government stated it would continue to strictly enforce the security law following this ruling. While Au's family has been granted the right to regular visits, his international counsel has urged the European Union and Portugal to intervene. No specific dates for an appeal have been reported, but the Macao government has urged all sectors to respect the court's decision.