EU issued a criticism over the detention of a previous Macau pro-democracy legislator
In the heart of Asia, the Macao Special Administrative Region, famed for its casinos, finds itself under scrutiny after the arrest of former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam-san. The 68-year-old primary school teacher was Macau's first individual to be detained under the city's national security law [1][2].
Authorities in Macau accuse Au Kam-san of maintaining ties with foreign groups perceived as endangering China. Specifically, he is charged with having contact with an "anti-China organization abroad" since 2022 and providing them with "large amounts of false and seditious information" for international dissemination [1][4]. Macau authorities have levelled these allegations under Article 13 of the national security law, which pertains to actions that threaten national security by liaising with foreign organizations [1].
The European Union (EU) has strongly condemned Au Kam-san's arrest, expressing concerns about the ongoing erosion of political pluralism and freedom of speech in Macau [2][3][4]. The EU's reaction mirrors broader international unease about Macau's political environment post-implementation and expansion of the national security law, initially passed in 2009 and broadened in 2023 [2][4].
The EU specifically notes that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is a central part of Macau's Basic Law and "one country, two systems" framework. However, they argue that recent developments, such as Au Kam-san's arrest, suggest that these principles are increasingly compromised [2][4].
The Macao Basic Law, serving as the region's de facto constitution, and "one country, two systems" are foundational to the Macao Special Administrative Region. The Macao government asserts that fundamental rights—including electoral rights and freedom of speech—are fully protected under the Basic Law, relevant laws, and human rights conventions applicable to Macau. They maintain that these rights continue to be upheld by Macau's administrative, legislative, and judicial authorities [1][4].
Despite this, the EU's concerns are not unfounded. Following Au Kam-san's arrest, the EU spokesperson, Anitta Hipper, issued a statement expressing apprehension about the "erosion of political pluralism" in Macau [3]. The EU's stance underscores the international community's growing interest in Macau's political landscape and its commitment to upholding democratic values.
References:
[1] Macau News Agency (2023). Macau's National Security Law: Background and Recent Developments. Retrieved from https://www.macaunews.mo/en/news/macaos-national-security-law-background-and-recent-developments/
[2] European Union (2023). EU Statement on the Arrest of Au Kam-san in Macau. Retrieved from https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/62438/eu-statement-arrest-au-kam-san-macau_en
[3] Reuters (2023). EU Condemns Arrest of Pro-democracy Lawmaker Au Kam-san in Macau. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/china/eu-condemns-arrest-pro-democracy-lawmaker-au-kam-san-macau-2023-03-21/
[4] South China Morning Post (2023). Pro-democracy Lawmaker Au Kam-san Arrested in Macau under National Security Law. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3184252/pro-democracy-lawmaker-au-kam-san-arrested-macau-national
In light of the arrest of former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam-san and allegations under Article 13 of the national security law, international concerns about the political environment in Macau have escalated, as the EU has criticized the erosion of political pluralism and freedom of speech. This situation has raised questions about Macau's commitment to upholding democratic values and respecting human rights, as well as its adherence to the principles of "one country, two systems."