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Macao sentences pro-democracy ex-politician to 12.5 years in jail
Developed over time first seen 1 day ago
A Macao court has sentenced former pro-democracy politician Au Kam-san to 12 years and six months in prison after finding him guilty of subverting state power in a closed-door national security trial. The court said his actions were intended to disrupt the territory’s 2024 leadership election, while human rights advocates say the sentence could deter peaceful criticism.
The court accused Au, 69, of spreading false information in 2023 and 2024, working with organisations abroad and leaking confidential information. It noted that he was a first-time offender who admitted to much of the conduct, but said his intent and the potential consequences were serious. His wife called the case a political trial and groundless persecution; Macao’s government and China’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs office backed the sentence. Au’s arrest last year was the first public prosecution under Macao’s 2009 security law.
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In short
- Au Kam-san received a 12-and-a-half-year prison sentence.
- The court said his actions targeted Macao’s 2024 leadership election.
- His wife and human rights advocates criticised the case.
How this story developed
- 19 hours ago Au Kam-san has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison by a Macao court, which found him guilty of subverting state power after a closed-door national security trial.
- 1 day ago A Macao court has sentenced former pro-democracy politician Au Kam-san to 12 years and six months in prison after convicting him of subverting state power.
- 1 day ago A Macao court has sentenced former pro-democracy politician Au Kam-san to 12 years and six months in prison after finding him guilty of subverting state power in a closed-door national security trial.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A supporter of the sentence could argue that deliberately spreading false claims to disrupt an election and coordinating with overseas groups may threaten public order and the integrity of Macao’s political institutions. They might say national security laws must deter serious attempts to destabilise governance, and that the court considered the conduct’s potential consequences as well as Au’s admissions.
The case against
A critic could argue that a 12-and-a-half-year sentence for political activity and alleged information-sharing is disproportionate, particularly for a first-time offender who admitted much of the conduct. The closed trial and broad subversion charge may also weaken public confidence that the case distinguished genuine security threats from peaceful dissent, raising concerns about political freedoms and due process.
Explained simply
Macao is a small territory on China’s southern coast. It has its own government and legal system, but national security is a matter on which Beijing has significant influence. A 2009 law makes it a crime to undermine state power.
Au Kam-san was a legislator and a prominent voice in Macao’s pro-democracy movement, which has called for greater public participation in choosing the territory’s leaders. Macao’s chief executive is selected through an election committee rather than by a direct vote of all residents.
The case centres on where authorities draw the line between criticism of government and actions they consider a threat to national security. It has drawn attention to how the security law may affect political activity and public debate in Macao.
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