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3 clusters · 5 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

National security trial of Au Kam San in Macau

Overview

The national security trial of former Macau legislator and pro-democracy activist Au Kam San commenced on September 16, 2026. The proceedings are being held behind closed doors at the Court of Final Appeal, following requests from the Public Prosecutions Office and the Committee for Safeguarding National Security.

Au, a 69-year-old former teacher, faces charges of being a “principal offender” in a case involving “subversion against the political power of the State” and maintaining links with external entities to endanger China. Under the subversion charge, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years. He has been in preventive detention since his arrest on July 30, 2025.

This trial is the first to be held under Macau’s expanded national security laws, which were strengthened in 2023 to prevent foreign interference. These laws grant judges the authority to conduct closed-door sessions and require judicial approval for the appointment of defense lawyers. While legal counsel Michael Polak has previously characterized the proceedings as having the “appearances of a show trial,” supporters of Au suggest the charges are a response to his peaceful political activities and regular meetings with the European Union Delegation to Hong Kong and Macao.

Entities

Au Kam San · Committee for Safeguarding National Security · Macau · Macau Court of Final Appeal · Michael Polak

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Au Kam San trial begins in Macau under national security law

    Former Macau legislator Au Kam San faces a closed-door trial for subversion, marking the first case under the territory's expanded national security laws. He faces up to 25 years in prison.

  2. 9 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Au Kam San national security trial to be held behind closed doors

    Macau will hold its first closed-door national security trial on September 16 for former lawmaker Au Kam San, who faces charges of subversion and ties to foreign groups.

  3. 10 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Au Kam San's lawyer files UN complaint over Macau detention

    Lawyer Michael Polak has filed a UN complaint regarding the detention of former Macau legislator Au Kam San, alleging illegal and discriminatory charges related to state security.

Sources

correiodamanhacanada.com · fr.news.yahoo.com · hongkongfp.com · macaudailytimes.com.mo · sapo.pt

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history