Commentary by Oriana Inácio Pun on the National Security Law Trial and Judgement of Au Kam San
The Lower Court of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) ruled [on Friday] according to law that [former lawmaker] Au Kam San was found guilty of three charges, including “subversion of State power”, sentencing him to 12 years and six months’ imprisonment.
Oriana Inácio Pun (潘愛儀), secretary-general of the Board of Directors of the Macao Lawyers Association (AAM), stated that the verdict was fair, just, legal, and reasonable, expressing firm support for the judgment.
“We noted that the Collegiate Bench of the Lower Court reached its conviction on the basis of a cautious, comprehensive, and objective analysis of all evidence, establishing the vast majority of the facts set out in the indictment. During the trial, the suspect raised no objection to most of the basic facts, admitted that colluding and conspiring with multiple overseas organisations constituted criminal acts, and agreed with the defence counsel’s arguments. Throughout the proceedings, the court strictly followed substantive and procedural legal provisions, fully safeguarding the litigation rights of the party involved and demonstrating the spirit of the rule of law and justice. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently, free from any interference. The unfounded accusations made by certain overseas organisations and individuals regarding the MSAR court’s lawful trial of the first national security case constitute unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of the MSAR, which we firmly oppose.
“National security is an essential prerequisite and a solid bedrock for maintaining Macao’s long-term prosperity and stability, continuous economic development, and social peace and contentment. We will firmly support the MSAR in fully, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the legal system for safeguarding national security, cracking down on and punishing any criminal activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law, actively fostering a social environment that respects the law and abides by rules, resolutely defending Macao’s sound order under the rule of law, and effectively ensuring Macao’s security and stability”.
Editor’s Note: This unabridged text was originally published in Chinese by the Macao Daily News on Saturday. The translation was arranged, reviewed, and edited by the Post. Words within square brackets have been added by the Post.
Undated file photo of local lawyer- notary Oriana Inácio Pun – Photo courtesy of AAM
