Macau to hold closed-door trial in first national security case against democrat

Macau is set to hold its first national security trial behind closed doors next week, according to a court announcement on Friday. The case involves Au Kam San, a former pro-democracy lawmaker who was arrested in July 2025 on charges of subversion and other crimes. The Chinese territory previously expanded the scope of its national security laws in May 2023, and a new bill passed earlier this year permits judges to conduct national security cases in private.

Lawyers and rights groups have expressed concerns that this rule could potentially undermine government departments' operations and apply to any judicial case. Au, a 69-year-old primary school teacher, became the first person to be arrested under the expanded law in July. The judge decided to hold the trial behind closed doors to ensure national security interests are not compromised, a statement from Macau's final appeals court revealed.

The proceedings are scheduled to commence on September 16, with Au's court-appointed lawyer continuing to represent him. However, concerns have been raised about the fairness of the proceedings, as Au has been kept incommunicado for a year without access to his family or an independent lawyer. His daughter, Cherry, emphasized the family's request for a fair trial, due process, and to prevent the erasure of Au's three decades of dedication to Macau. Under Macau's security law, subversion offenses can result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years.