National security trial in Macau: former Portuguese legislator Au Kam San on trial
Macau's first national security trial takes place behind closed doors, with Au Kam San accused of subversion and espionage. His international lawyer denounces violations of international law.
Former Portuguese legislator faces closed trial in Macau for subversion
Macau Special Administrative Region's first national security trial in history has begun behind closed doors, with Au Kam San, a former legislator of Portuguese nationality, in the dock. According to plataformamedia.com, the court justified the decision with the need to "ensure that no harm is caused to the interests of State security".
Charges and anticipated sentences
In July, the Criminal Instruction Court of the Court of First Instance (TJB) committed Au Kam San for trial for the crimes of "subversion against the political power of the State", "establishment of connections with organisations, associations or individuals outside the SAR for the commission of acts against State security" and "violation of secrecy". Under the Law relating to the safeguarding of State security, the crime of subversion is punishable by imprisonment between 10 and 25 years.
The Judicial Police accuse Au Kam San of being, since 2022, in collusion with an "anti-China" organisation abroad, to which he allegedly provided "false information of a provocative nature" for public disclosure abroad and on social media. According to the Judicial Police, after the new security law came into force in 2023, the organisation continued to use this information in its activities.
Lawyer denounces violations of international law
Au Kam San's international lawyer, Michael Polak, considered that the charge "is not specific, it is being used vaguely to punish, in a discriminatory manner, given that it is based on the democratic convictions" of the defendant. Polak filed a complaint with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and stated that international law standards "are obviously not being respected with regard to legal assistance, the opportunity to prepare a defence and the holding of a public trial".
The criticism takes place against the backdrop of the question of legal representation. In July, the TJB indicated that Au Kam San was being represented by an ex officio lawyer approved by the State Security Defence Commission, despite attempts by his family to appoint another defence counsel. Under legislation approved in March this year, the legal representative must obtain special authorisation from the competent judge before intervening in proceedings of this nature. The TJB justified the decision on the basis of a binding verification opinion, stating that the "procedural rights to which he is entitled" were assured.
Detained for over a year without contact with family
Au Kam San was detained by the Judicial Police on 30 July 2025. His daughter revealed to Lusa in July that his father was unreachable for more than 11 months. More recently, Polak stated that "family members were able to see him", without revealing further details.
The former legislator holds Portuguese nationality, although China and the SAR do not recognise dual nationality. In September 2025, during a visit to Macau, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro admitted that he had not discussed Au Kam San's detention in a meeting with the executive chief Sam Hou Fai, arguing that the case requires "the necessary discretion" and "some reserve".
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)