Former pro-democracy lawmaker sentenced to 12 1/2 years in Macao's 1st national security case

Macao lawmaker Au Kam-san was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison on Friday, marking the territory's first national security case. The Court of First Instance convicted him on multiple charges, including subverting state power, establishing links with organizations, breaching secrecy, and colluding with overseas entities.

The court found most of the indictment facts proven after carefully assessing all the evidence. Au admitted to collaborating with hostile overseas organizations, preparing and spreading false and distorted political advocacy to stir hatred among Macao residents against the Central People's Government, and leaking secret contents from a closed-door committee meeting to an overseas organization.

The Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office warned that national security is a non-negotiable line that must not be crossed. They criticized Au for colluding with external forces under the banners of democracy and freedom to engage in anti-China activities, seriously endangering national security and harming Macao's prosperity and stability.

The judgment, according to the office, forcefully upholds the authority of the rule of law, emphasizing that anyone attempting to endanger national security will face severe legal consequences.