Macau jails Au Kam San for 12½ years over subversion
A court in Macau sentenced Au Kam San, 69, a former legislator, to 12 years and six months in prison on Friday, 6 Nov, for subversion of state power and other offences. It is the first conviction under national security laws widened in 2023 in the territory. Au was detained in July 2025 and tried behind closed doors on 16 and 18 Sep. The court said his intent was high and the consequences serious. Human Rights Watch said the proceedings violated due process.
Key facts
- Au sat in Macau's legislature for two decades and stepped down in 2021.
- The European Union condemned Au's arrest last year, citing political pluralism concerns.
- Au's wife, Virginia Cheang, asked authorities to allow regular visits and letter exchanges.
- The family has not been allowed to see Au since shortly after his detention, apart from one call.
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Why it matters
The case is the first national security conviction under Macau's widened laws, and it has drawn criticism over trial fairness.
What changed
First published from South China Morning Post, Bangkok Post, DW, The Hindu and BBC News