Macau Sentences Ex-Lawmaker Under National Security Law

• •Au Kam San sentenced to 12 years for subversion under Macau's National Security Law.
• •First prosecution under the enhanced National Security Law enacted in 2023.
• •Court found Au guilty of collaborating with foreign organizations to undermine state power.

On November 6, 2026, Macau's Court of First Instance sentenced former lawmaker Au Kam San to 12 years and six months in prison for subversion of state power and other charges under the National Security Law. The court found Au guilty of establishing links with external organizations to endanger national security and breaching confidentiality by disclosing information from a closed Legislative Assembly meeting. His trial was notable as it marked the first case prosecuted under the enhanced National Security Law enacted in 2023. Au's activities reportedly included collaborating with foreign entities to disseminate information that incited hatred against the Chinese government. Despite being acquitted of two additional subversion charges due to insufficient evidence, the ruling has raised concerns about the shrinking civic space in Macau. The Chinese Foreign Ministry defended the legal proceedings, emphasizing accountability for actions threatening national security.