MACAO — A court sentenced former lawmaker Au Kam San to 12½ years in prison Friday in the territory’s first national security case.
The Macao Court of First Instance said the combined term followed convictions for subversion, two counts of establishing ties with outside groups to endanger national security, and breach of secrecy. The court acquitted Au on two other subversion counts.
Au received 11 years and three months for subversion, three years and nine months on each of the two outside-ties counts, and nine months for breaching secrecy. The court combined those penalties under Macao law.
The ruling said Au worked with overseas groups during 2023 and 2024 to collect and spread false or distorted information. The court found that the effort sought foreign action against China and Macao, stirred hostility toward the central government and disrupted Macao’s 2024 leadership election.
On the secrecy charge, the court found that Au disclosed confidential information from a closed legislative committee meeting in 2021. The meeting concerned the renewal of casino licenses.
Au’s trial was held behind closed doors on Sept. 16 and 18. The court said it appointed a lawyer after Au did not retain one and that he accepted the attorney, communicated closely with counsel and exercised his right to a defense.
The Associated Press reported that Au’s wife called the case a political trial and groundless persecution. His daughter said a lawyer chosen by the family had been barred from visiting him for nearly a year. The court said Au’s family was later allowed regular visits.
Also read: Hong Kong Court Sentences Joshua Wong to 10 Years in Prison
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