Macao Authorities Arrest Pro-Democracy Activist Au Kam San Under Draconian National Security Law

Strategic Insights -

Macao authorities have arrested prominent pro-democracy activist Au Kam San under the draconian Law on Safeguarding National Security, a move that reflects the broadening repression in China's territories. Au, a veteran activist and former lawmaker, was arrested on July 30, 2025, for allegedly violating article 13 of the national security law, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence. The arrest marks the first time the national security law has been invoked in Macao.

Key Takeaways:

  • Au Kam San, a 68-year-old Portuguese citizen and former primary school teacher, has been a prominent voice for democracy in Macao, organizing annual vigils to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre and serving as a pro-democracy lawmaker for 30 years.
  • The Macao authorities have accused Au of having "long-term contacts" with "overseas anti-China entities," providing them with "false and inflammatory information," "arousing hatred," "disrupting Macao's 2024 chief executive election, and causing foreign countries to take hostile actions against Macao."
  • Au's arrest is the first time the Law on Safeguarding National Security has been invoked in Macao, and it marks a significant escalation of repression in the territory.
  • The national security law, enacted in 2009 and amended in 2023, undermines rule of law and human rights guarantees enshrined in Macao's de facto constitution, the Basic Law, and contravenes the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
  • The law has been used to suppress critical voices in Macao, with the authorities arresting opposition figures and journalists, restricting protests, and barring Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and journalists from entering the territory.
  • In Hong Kong, where the pro-democracy movement attracted mass participation, authorities have arrested at least 326 people for violating national security laws since 2020.
  • The European Union has condemned Au's arrest, but the Portuguese government has only been following up on the case, with concerns raised by human rights groups and governments around the world.

Statistics:

  • Au Kam San has been detained without bail pending investigation.
  • The Macao authorities have accused Au of violating article 13 of the national security law, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence.
  • The national security law in Macao has been amended to introduce 30 new articles, expanding the definitions of "secession" and "subversion" to cover nonviolent acts.
  • Since 2020, Hong Kong authorities have arrested at least 326 people for violating national security laws.
  • Macao authorities have also disqualified 21 people in 2021 and 12 in 2025 from running for legislative seats, citing vague reasons such as "disloyalty" to Macao.

Sources:

  • Human Rights Watch:
  • European Union:
  • Portuguese media:
  • Basic Law:
  • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights:
  • Tiananmen Massacre: