BLACK mobile logo

international

Ex-lawmaker Au Kam San arrested in Macau's first national security case

August 6, 2025

Veteran Macau democrat and former lawmaker Au Kam San was arrested on July 30, 2024, for allegedly endangering national security through foreign ties and spreading false information. This marks the first national security case since Macau enacted its national security law in 2009, with police claiming Au had connections with overseas anti-China organizations since 2022 and provided seditious information to foreign entities. Au, who served as a city council member from 1993-2001 and legislator from 2001-2021, has remained a vocal critic of government policies and recently commented on the 2024 Chief Executive election and candidate disqualifications.

Who is affected

  • Au Kam San, a 68-year-old veteran democrat and former lawmaker
  • Au's wife, who is listed as a witness in the case
  • 12 candidates who were barred from running in upcoming September Legislative elections
  • The Macau political opposition and pro-democracy voices
  • Macau citizens concerned about political pluralism and freedom of speech
  • Portuguese citizens in Macau (as Au holds Portuguese citizenship)

What action is being taken

  • Macau Police have arrested Au Kam San on national security charges
  • The Judiciary Police have transferred Au to the Public Prosecutions Office for investigation
  • The European Union is issuing statements condemning the arrest
  • The Macau government is defending its actions and stating it will handle the case "strictly according to the law"
  • Authorities are implementing new electoral rules that disqualify candidates based on loyalty criteria

Why it matters

  • This is the first national security case since Macau enacted its national security law in 2009
  • The arrest represents what the EU calls an "ongoing erosion of political pluralism and freedom of speech" in Macau
  • It highlights tensions between the "one country, two systems" principle and increasing Chinese control
  • The case demonstrates stricter implementation of loyalty requirements for political participation
  • Recent electoral rule amendments have removed judicial appeal rights for disqualified candidates
  • Au faces up to 10 years in prison under the foreign collusion charge

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices

Ex-lawmaker Au Kam San arrested in Macau's first national security case