# Macau Sentences Former Lawmaker Au Kam San Under National Security Law International condemnation follows the first conviction under Macau's toughened national security legislation. - **Source:** [The Straits Times – Asia](https://www.straitstimes.com/asia) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3a34c47d-6864-44bc-89b7-06f2175960dc ## First National Security Conviction On November 6, former Macau lawmaker Au Kam San received a 12.5-year prison sentence for subversion and other offenses. This marks the first conviction under Macau’s National Security Law, which was originally enacted in 2009 and significantly toughened in 2023. The legal proceedings concluded after a three-day closed trial. ## Activist Background and Arrest The 69-year-old Au, a teacher-turned-lawmaker known for his blunt advocacy for democracy, was arrested in July 2025. He was a prominent organizer of annual vigils commemorating victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. These vigils were once permitted in Macau and Hong Kong, representing unique spaces for public mourning. ## United States Strongly Condemns The US consulate for Hong Kong and Macau officially condemned the sentencing on November 9. Officials described the prosecution as a clear example of Beijing utilizing sweeping national security powers to silence peaceful political dissent. The US linked this case to the broader erosion of fundamental freedoms in Chinese territories. ## Broader Regional Legal Context The US statement explicitly connected Au’s verdict to the sentencing of Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, who received an additional 10 years in prison last week. Both cases are viewed by Washington as evidence of a systematic effort by Beijing to suppress political opposition across these specific Chinese cities. ## European and UN Criticism The European Union criticized the trial, citing Au’s status as a citizen of the bloc. Portugal formally relayed a position of serious concern to Beijing regarding the proceedings. Additionally, the United Nations human rights office expressed deep concern, specifically noting that Au was not represented by counsel of his choice. ## Official Rejection of Interference China’s top diplomat in Macau rejected the international criticism on November 7, asserting that the local rulings are beyond reproach. Macau authorities issued a formal statement expressing strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the remarks made by the EU and the UN, labeling the international concerns as unfounded external interference. ## Conduct During Legal Proceedings Despite the severity of the charges and the closed nature of the trial, reports from the Macau Daily newspaper indicate that Au remained calm throughout the hearing. As one of the few local media outlets permitted to attend, their account provides the only public glimpse into the defendant's demeanor during sentencing. ## Implications for Future Dissent This case establishes a significant precedent for the application of the 2023 national security amendments in Macau. By targeting a former legislator involved in historical commemorations, authorities have signaled a shift in the tolerance for public dissent. Observers are now watching how these legal mechanisms will impact remaining political activists. ## Sources covering this story - [The Straits Times – Asia — US Condemns Sentencing of Former Macau Lawmaker Au Kam San](https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/us-slams-jailing-of-macau-pro-democracy-ex-lawmaker) - [Hong Kong Free Press — US Condemns Sentencing of Macau Pro-Democracy Activist Au Kam San](https://hongkongfp.com/2026/11/10/us-slams-jailing-of-macau-pro-democracy-ex-lawmaker/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._