Kam Sin, Macau’s first national security crime case, was severely sentenced. Mainland Affairs Council: Regretful

Au Kam Sun, a pro-democracy activist in Macau and former member of the Legislative Council, was arrested last year on seven charges including "subversion of state power" and "acts endangering national security". The Criminal Court of the Lower Court today (6th) ruled that Ou Jinxin was not guilty of only two counts of "subversion of state power" and was convicted of the other charges. He was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison. (AP file photo)

Au Kam Sun, a pro-democracy activist in Macau and former member of the Legislative Council, was arrested last year on seven charges including "subversion of state power" and "acts endangering national security". The Criminal Court of the Lower Court today (6th) ruled that Ou Jinxin was not guilty of only two counts of "subversion of state power" and was convicted of the other charges. He was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison. In this regard, the Mainland Affairs Council expressed its deep regret today (6th).

The Mainland Affairs Council pointed out that Ou Jinxin’s case is the first case involving national security in Macau and has attracted great attention from the international community. The district case trial process lacks openness and transparency, and the parties are unable to choose their own defense lawyers. Related practices have seriously affected judicial human rights and procedural justice, and have deepened the outside world's doubts about Macao's judicial independence and the rule of law environment. They are worried that this case will further reduce the political rights, freedom of speech and basic human rights of the Macao people.

The Mainland Affairs Council calls on the Macau government to implement the relevant provisions of the Macau Basic Law, safeguard the justice of judicial procedures, and protect the people's basic rights.