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2026-09-14 00:53 UTC → 2026-09-16 12:12 UTC ·
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Former The national security trial of former Macau legislator and pro-democracy activist Au Kam San is facing a national security trial commenced on September 16, 2026. The proceedings are being held behind closed doors at the Court of Final Appeal, following his detention in July 2025. He is accused 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 “subversion against state the political power of the State” and maintaining links with external entities to endanger China. Legal counsel for Au, Michael Polak, has filed a complaint with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, arguing that 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 illegal and that charges are being used the first to be held under Macau’s expanded national security laws, which were strengthened in a “vague and discriminatory manner” 2023 to punish democratic convictions. 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 further previously characterized the proceedings as having the “appearances of a show trial,” noting that Au has been held incommunicado for a year. The Court supporters of First Instance in Macau has scheduled the trial to begin on Wednesday, September 16, behind closed doors. This decision follows requests from the Public Prosecutions Office and Au suggest the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, who stated that private proceedings charges are necessary to protect national security interests. This marks the first national security trial in Macau a response to be held privately under recent legislative changes. While his peaceful political activities and regular meetings with the family has attempted European Union Delegation to appoint their own counsel, the court has noted that Au is being represented by a court-appointed lawyer approved by the State Security Defense Commission. Hong Kong and Macao.