Macau Democrat Au Kam San Arrested for Alleged Foreign Collusion

Prominent Macau democrat Au Kam San, aged 68, has been arrested for alleged collusion with foreign forces to undermine national security. The arrest highlights rising tensions in the gambling hub as authorities expand on national security measures, with parallels drawn to Hong Kong's crackdown on dissent.

A prominent democracy advocate in Macau, Au Kam San, has been apprehended by authorities for allegedly colluding with foreign entities to threaten national security. The arrest was disclosed on Thursday through a police statement in Macau, a region governed by China and renowned for its gambling industry.

The police report claims that the 68-year-old former lawmaker provided an overseas anti-China group with false information since 2022. This data was purportedly used for public exhibitions abroad, further intending to provoke dissent against China's governance of Macau.

Au's arrest has drawn attention to the tightening grip on democratic movements in Macau, especially in the wake of similar crackdowns in Hong Kong. The move indicates a broader use of national security laws to suppress dissent across these regions, raising concerns about civil liberties.

(With inputs from agencies.)