Macau opposes European Parliament criticism of Au's trial
MNA
October 10, 2026
The Macau SAR Government and the Legislative Assembly have issued statements expressing strong opposition to a report by the European Parliament (EP) regarding national security proceedings and calls for the release of former lawmaker Au Kam San.
Au stands accused of “subversion against state power”, “establishing ties with external entities to engage in acts endangering state security”, and “breach of secret”—marking the first national security case brought to trial in the city.
European lawmakers passed a non-binding resolution on Wednesday titled “Recommendation on EU-China political relations” with 454 votes in favour, 86 against, and 110 abstentions. The report focused on a wide range of issues regarding Sino-European relations, including trade, geopolitical issues, and human rights.
Regarding Macau, the resolution criticises the proceedings against Au Kam San and calls for his “immediate and unconditional release.”
In statements issued on Friday evening, the SAR rejected these remarks, stating that “the procedural rights of the suspect concerned in Macau’s first national security case have been fully protected in accordance with relevant laws.”
The trial proceedings, in which Au was represented by a court-appointed lawyer, were held behind closed doors in September and concluded within three days.
The Macau Government highlighted that the prosecution of national security offences constitutes a strictly internal matter, asserting that it does not permit interference from external forces.
“The adjudication of the case endangering national security, processed by the MSAR judiciary, is in accordance with the law and is purely an internal affair of the MSAR. Under no circumstances will any external forces be allowed to interfere,” the SAR government stated.
The Macau Government emphasised that judicial independence is “strictly protected” under the Basic Law, adding that “judges adjudicate independently in accordance with relevant laws, free from any interference. Under the Macau Basic Law, the international human rights instruments applicable to the MSAR, and local legislation, all persons charged with a criminal offence are entitled to full procedural rights.”
The local government accused the European Parliament of attempting to interfere with the region’s judicial system, calling the resolution a provocation to international law and an infringement upon the rule of law.
Hours earlier, Beijing lodged a formal diplomatic protest with the European Union over the resolution, stating that the document was filled with ideological bias and flawed arguments regarding China.
