Macau jails pro-democracy campaigner in first national security case

Ex-lawmaker sentenced in landmark case

Au Kam San, sixty-nine, was convicted on Friday of subversion against the political power of the state in Macau's first national security case. He received twelve years and six months in jail.

Twenty years as pro-democracy voice

Au was elected to the Legislative Assembly in September two thousand and one.For twenty years he served as one of only a handful of pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislature, largely made up of pro-Beijing loyalists.

Prosecutors accused him of foreign collaboration

Prosecutors said Au assisted external hostile organisations by collecting, preparing and disseminating information manifestly filled with political claims of a subversive nature against the state over a long period of time.

“manifestly filled with political claims of a subversive nature against the state”

Trial held in secret, lawyer assigned by court

The three-day trial ended in September and was held behind closed doors. A judge ordered secrecy to ensure no prejudice to national security interests. Au was not allowed to seek his own legal representation.

Wife calls ruling groundless persecution

Au's wife Virginia Cheang condemned the ruling as groundless persecution designed to humiliate Au. She said she hoped authorities would grant permission for regular visits and letters, but dared not hope for more.

“groundless persecution designed to humiliate Au”