The European Union has condemned the arrest of Au Kam-san, a former pro-democracy lawmaker in Macau, citing concerns over national security violations.

This arrest is particularly significant as it marks the first publicly known case under Macau's National Security Law since its implementation in 2009.

Brussels has reminded China of its obligation to respect the rights of Macau residents as established by the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration of 1987 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The EU emphasized that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is essential under the Macau Basic Law and the 'one country, two systems' framework.

Au Kam San, a 68-year-old prominent democracy activist, has been placed in preventive detention under accusations of colluding with anti-China forces and providing false information to foreign organizations.

The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and has indicated that it will be addressed in future political meetings, in line with the spirit of the Joint Declaration.

On July 30, 2025, the EU formally condemned the detention of Au Kam San, a Portuguese citizen and former deputy of Macau, under accusations of violating the National Security Law.

The incident raises serious concerns about the erosion of political pluralism and freedom of speech in Macau.

This incident marks the first enforcement of the National Security Law in Macau, raising alarms about the implications for civil liberties in the region.