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.

Lawmakers in Macau have unanimously passed a contentious bill that allows court proceedings to occur behind closed doors if linked to national security concerns. This development marks a significant tightening of regulations following Macau's first national security law in 2009, and recent amendments in 2023.

This new legislation empowers judges to refer sensitive cases to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, which has the final say on whether a case merits non-public hearings. The committee's decisions are absolute, not open to appeal or judicial review.

The Macau government heralded this legislative approval as a testament to the continued enforcement of 'patriots governing Macau.' Meanwhile, the conviction of democrat Au Kam San for alleged collusion with foreign forces still raises concerns among rights groups about potential suppression of dissenting voices.

(With inputs from agencies.)