On November 6, a significant legal decision was made in Macau, as former legislator and prominent pro-democracy figure, Au Kam San, was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison. This ruling marks the first national security case prosecuted in Macau since the transfer of sovereignty in 1999.
According to several media outlets, including Macau Radio, Au faced a total of seven charges but was ultimately convicted on four counts. The charges included one count of “subverting state power,” for which he received a sentence of 11 years and 3 months. Additionally, he was convicted on two counts related to “colluding with foreign organizations to endanger national security,” each resulting in a sentence of 3 years and 9 months. Lastly, he was found guilty of “violating confidentiality,” which resulted in a 9-month prison term. The sentences for these crimes were combined, leading to a total prison term of 12 years and 6 months.
Following the announcement of the verdict, Au’s wife, Cheng Miu Shan, issued an open letter strongly criticizing the case, describing it as a political trial characterized by “groundless persecution and a violation of personal dignity.”
The Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan expressed deep regret over the proceedings, emphasizing that the trial lacked transparency and deprived the accused of the right to choose his legal representation. They stated that this severely impacts judicial human rights and procedural justice.
At 69 years old, Au Kam San has been a key figure within Macau’s pro-democracy movement, serving as a legislator for two decades from 2001 to 2021. He has been actively involved in commemorating the Tiananmen Square protests and organizing related events.
Au was arrested on July 30, 2025, and remained in custody until the trial, which took place behind closed doors from September 16 to 18 of this year.
Prior to the verdict, Au’s daughter disclosed to the Associated Press that he had been barred from making phone calls or receiving family visits while in detention. As a result, family members had been unable to contact him for nearly a year. Furthermore, the lawyer chosen by his family was also denied access to him in prison, leading to a situation where the case was ultimately defended by a court-appointed attorney.
The Mainland Affairs Council reiterated concerns regarding the lack of transparency in the legal proceedings surrounding Au’s case. They highlighted that the inability of the defendant to select his own defense attorney significantly undermines judicial human rights and procedural fairness. This situation has intensified worries about judicial independence and the rule of law in Macau, with fears that it could further restrict the political rights, freedom of speech, and fundamental human rights of the people of Macau.
In light of these developments, the council called on the Macau government to uphold the relevant provisions of the Basic Law and ensure the justice of judicial processes while safeguarding the basic rights of its citizens.