China's Macau jails ex-lawmaker in first national security trial

A Macau court sentenced ex-lawmaker Au Kam San to 12.5 years for subversion under expanded national security laws. Au, a democracy advocate, was convicted for aiding external organizations and inciting hatred against China. His trial was criticized as a sham, with limited media access and claims of political persecution. The Macau government supported the verdict, emphasizing national security enforcement. The EU condemned the arrest, citing concerns over political pluralism erosion. Au's family has been unable to contact him since his detention in July 2025, raising further human rights concerns.