Macao’s Court of First Instance sentenced former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San to 12½ years in prison on Nov. 6, 2026, in the city’s first national security trial. The 69-year-old was convicted of subversion, links with foreign groups and secrecy violations; the court acquitted him on two subversion counts for insufficient evidence.
WHO:
Macao Court of First Instance
WHAT:
The court sentenced former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San to 12½ years in prison after convicting him on five of seven charges in Macao’s first national security trial. It found him guilty of subversion of state power, establishing links with foreign groups or individuals to endanger national security, and violating secrecy. The court acquitted him on two other subversion counts for insufficient evidence. Au, 69, is the first person convicted under Macao’s national security laws widened in 2023. He co-organized annual vigils for victims of Beijing’s 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
WHEN:
Reported Nov 6, 2026 at 8:56 AM ET
WHERE:
Macao, China
WHY:
The court convicted Au on five of seven charges under Macao’s national security law. A court statement said he cooperated over a long period with “hostile organizations” outside Macao to collect and disseminate political views and false information, and conspired to incite hatred against the central government. It said his intent was extremely high and the potential consequences exceptionally grave.
Reporting from 12 identified publishers across this event arc.
