US EditionChina-ruled Macao Expands National Security Law to Allow Closed-Door Trials
The bill expands Macau’s national security law to include closed trials and clearance requirements for defence lawyers, aiming to protect sovereignty and security, officials said.
- Unanimously approved by Macau's Legislative Assembly, the bill allows closed-door national security trials and takes effect one day after publication in the official gazette.
- The Macao government said the bill 'further strengthens the top-level framework for safeguarding national security' and expands the Committee for Safeguarding National Security to include heads of cultural affairs and education.
- Judges must refer suspected national security cases to the city's Committee for Safeguarding National Security, which can order closed-door hearings, require defence lawyers' security clearances, and issue final rulings.
- Rights groups have urged Au Kam San's unconditional release after his arrest last year, while observers worry closed trials reduce transparency and analysts caution the law undermines Macau's mini-constitution.
- Macau's evolution into a gaming hub contrasts with Hong Kong as its pro-democracy camp remained less influential, and more political controls appeared in recent years after the 2019 anti-government protests.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Associated Press News
Macao lawmakers pass a bill allowing closed-door trials for national security reasons
Macao’s lawmakers on Thursday unanimously passed a law that could allow closed-door court proceedings if the authorities deemed public hearings would harm national security.
Macao SAR Legislative Assembly passes bill for safeguarding national security committee
The Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) held a plenary session on Thursday, during which it unanimously passed the bill for the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Macao SAR.According to the legislative body, the bill, in the form of law, clearly stipulates the committee's functions, composition and operational framework, providing it with a more solid legal foundation.Safeguarding national sover…
Macau Approves Law for Closed-Door Court Proceedings Amid National Security Concerns
Macau's lawmakers have passed a bill facilitating closed-door court proceedings for cases concerning national security. The legislation grants the Committee for Safeguarding National Security the authority to make final determinations on such matters. This move is seen as reinforcing 'patriots governing Macau' despite criticism from rights groups.
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