Ou Kam Sang, a political activist and former representative of Macau, was sentenced on Friday to 12 years and six months in prison. This sentence was issued due to charges related to "undermining the political power of the government" and other crimes under the new national security laws that were enacted in Macau in 2023. The 69-year-old Ou Kam Sang is the first person to be tried and convicted under these new laws in Macau.
Background and Activities of Ou Kam Sang
Ou Kam Sang, recognized as one of the key figures in the democracy movement in Macau, has for years held annual memorials for the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 in Beijing. These events, which were previously only permitted in Macau and Hong Kong, were seen as a sign of civil resistance against the central powers of China. He was arrested in July 2025, and his trial took place in September of that year in a closed court.
Details of the Sentence and Reactions
The court announced that Ou Kam Sang was accused of attempting to "incite hatred among the residents of Macau" and undermining the political system of the country. This ruling was met with negative reactions from human rights organizations. The "Human Rights" organization described this conviction as a "harsh and unfair trial" and rejected China's criticisms of this statement as interference in Macau's internal affairs.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that Macau has the responsibility and right to manage "suspicious activities of collusion with foreign forces." The European Union had previously expressed concern over Ou Kam Sang's arrest, viewing it as a sign of the weakening of "political diversity" in Macau.
His daughter, Cherry, stated after the ruling that the court's decision is "completely unacceptable" and expressed hope that her father would return home soon. The Portuguese Foreign Ministry has also conveyed its "rejection and serious concern" about this ruling to Chinese officials.
Michael Polak, a London-based lawyer representing Ou Kam Sang, stated in a statement that this "show trial" places this Portuguese citizen "alongside the most repressive countries in the world." He added that the ruling reflects the executive power to imprison those who disagree with them, without a fair legal process.
Additionally, Virginia Chang Miou Sang, Ou Kam Sang's wife, expressed in an open letter her hope that authorities would allow for written communication and regular family visits with him. In this letter, she referred to the trial process as unacceptable and labeled it a "political trial."
Ou Kam Sang, who was once a teacher, turned to politics after the Tiananmen Square crackdown and believed that Macau needed to become an open and democratic society. In a 2024 interview, he stated that despite the lack of progress in democracy in Macau, he believes in "planting seeds" and giving them a chance to grow.
Macau, known as a casino and tourism hub, has been under increased scrutiny and control since its return to China in 1999. The recent ruling against Ou Kam Sang serves as a wake-up call for all citizens of Macau who believe in justice and civilization. Jorge Mendes, a Portuguese lawyer, noted the closed nature of the trial, stating that this process will serve as a model for the future.
