Judicial authorities in Macau have announced that the upcoming trial of a former pro-democracy legislator will be conducted in private. The defendant, Au Kam San, faces subversion charges following his arrest in July 2025, with officials claiming he maintained connections to foreign entities that threaten Chinese national security. This legal proceeding marks the first instance of a national security case being prosecuted under expanded legislation enacted in May 2023. Recent amendments to local law now permit judges to restrict public access to court hearings if they determine that national security interests are at stake. Legal experts and human rights organizations have expressed concern regarding these provisions, suggesting that the broad scope of the new rules could potentially impact a wide range of judicial matters and reduce transparency within the government's administrative and legal processes.
Source : Hong Kong Free Press
Photo : Hong Kong Free Press
