Politics · Singapore Bureau
US condemns lengthy prison sentence for Macau ex-legislator
The United States has criticised Macau authorities for sentencing former lawmaker Au Kam San to 12½ years in prison on subversion charges. The case is the latest demonstration of tightening constraints on political freedoms in the former Portuguese territory.
LSN Singapore ·
Au Kam San, who previously served in Macau's legislative assembly, was convicted of subversion and related offences in a ruling that has drawn sharp rebukes from Western governments concerned about democratic space in the city.
The lengthy sentence reflects authorities' tough stance against individuals deemed to have challenged the political establishment. Au's conviction comes amid a broader pattern of legal actions taken against pro-democracy figures across greater China in recent years.
US officials have joined international observers in expressing concern over the case, arguing that the charges and sentencing undermine fundamental freedoms of expression and political participation. The American government has previously criticised similar legal proceedings in Hong Kong and mainland China as inconsistent with international human rights standards.
Macau, a special administrative region under Chinese sovereignty, maintains its own legal system but operates under restrictions set by Beijing. The territory has seen diminishing political opposition and civil space over recent years, with authorities citing national security concerns.