Macau sentences former lawmaker to 12 years and 6 months in first national security case

Macau completed its first national security trial on November 6, 2026, sentencing former lawmaker Au Kam-sin to 12 years and 6 months in prison.

Conviction and sentencing

The Primary Court found Au Kam-sin guilty of four charges: one count of "subverting state power," two counts of "colluding with overseas organizations to endanger national security," and one count of "breach of confidentiality." He was indicted on seven charges in total.

The court sentenced him to 11 years and 3 months for "subverting state power," 3 years and 9 months for each of the two "colluding with overseas organizations" counts, and 9 months for "breach of confidentiality." After consolidated deliberation, the single penalty was set at 12 years and 6 months.

Court proceedings and reactions

The case proceedings were not public, and Au Kam-sin was defended by an "assigned lawyer," with the identities of the presiding judge and the lawyer unknown. The sentencing was announced at 10:00 a.m. on November 6, following a press release on November 5. Only four media outlets attended, including Macau Broadcasting Television Chinese and Portuguese channels, Macau Daily News, and Da Zhong Daily.

Au Kam-sin's wife, Cheng Miu-san, said the family found the ruling unacceptable. In an open letter, she called the case "a baseless persecution involving humiliation of personality."

The Macau government stated that it respects and supports the court's ruling, pointing out that the government's stance on safeguarding national security and upholding the rule of law is unwavering.

Background

Au Kam-sin, 69, served as a Macau legislator for over 20 years and stepped down in 2021. He co-organized Macau's vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. He was detained in July 2025. The European External Action Service condemned China for arresting a European citizen, and Human Rights Watch issued a statement on the arrest. The Chinese Foreign Ministry's Liaison Office in Macau criticized the EU for interfering in Macau's affairs.

Why it matters

The case marks Macau's first national security trial and highlights the application of the territory's national security law to a former pro-democracy legislator.

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Sources

• bbc.com (in Chinese): Macau's first national security case sentenced: Au Kam-sin jailed for 12 and a half years for subversion, wife denounces "baseless persecution" - BBC News Chinese
• dw.com: Macau ex-lawmaker jailed in 1st national security trial

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.