Au Kam San national security trial to be held behind closed doors

The Court of First Instance in Macau is scheduled to hold a closed-door hearing on Wednesday, September 16, for the national security case involving former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San. The decision to conduct the proceedings privately follows a request from the Public Prosecutions Office and confirmation from the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, stating that closed proceedings are necessary to protect national security interests.

Au Kam San, a 69-year-old former legislator and primary school teacher, is accused of being a “principal offender” in a case involving subversion and other crimes. Authorities allege he has ties to foreign groups that endanger China. This marks the first national security trial in Macau to be held behind closed doors, following recent legislative changes that expanded the scope of national security laws and allowed judges to conduct such proceedings privately.

Legal representatives have raised concerns regarding the proceedings. Michael Polak, a barrister representing Au, has characterized the situation as having the “appearances of a show trial,” noting that Au has been held incommunicado for a year. A court-appointed lawyer will continue to represent the defendant during the trial.