Macao Pro-Democracy Advocate Detained Under National Security Law

Authorities in Macao have detained a man suspected to be a high-profile pro-democracy advocate under the national security law. The individual, believed to be former lawmaker Au Kam San, was accused of colluding with anti-China forces and disseminating false and seditious materials online.

According to a police statement, Au allegedly maintained contact with multiple anti-China entities outside Macao and provided them with unfounded information intended to incite hatred against China's central government. The arrest is seen as part of efforts to undermine Macao's 2024 chief executive election, as well as to prevent hostilities from foreign countries against Macao.

This arrest marks the first known application of the national security law since its amendment in 2023. Macao, a former Portuguese colony known for its gaming industry, has seen increased political control under Beijing, in contrast to neighboring Hong Kong. Pro-democracy figures have been barred from participating in elections, and a vigil commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown was banned.

(With inputs from agencies.)