cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/40111455

Macao authorities should unconditionally release the former lawmaker and veteran pro-democracy activist Au Kam San (區錦新), who was arrested on national security charges, Human Rights Watch said today. This is the first time the draconian Law on Safeguarding National Security has been invoked in China’s Macao Special Administrative Region.

On July 30, 2025, Macao police arrested Au for violating article 13 of the national security law, which carries a maximum 10-year sentence. Au is being held without bail pending investigation.

“The arrest of Au Kam San reflects the broadening repression radiating from China to Hong Kong and Macao under Chinese leader Xi Jinping,” said Maya Wang, associate China director at Human Rights Watch. “Macao’s authorities should stop suppressing peaceful criticism and immediately and unconditionally free this activist and former legislator.”

[…]