BRUSSELS: The European Union on Saturday (Aug 2) condemned Macau’s arrest of former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam-san, saying it solely heightened considerations in regards to the “erosion of political pluralism” within the Chinese language territory.
Au is the primary particular person to be arrested underneath the town’s nationwide safety legislation.
Authorities alleged on Thursday that the 68-year-old main faculty trainer had ties to overseas teams endangering China.
“This improvement provides to the prevailing considerations in regards to the ongoing erosion of political pluralism and freedom of speech within the Macao Particular Administrative Area,” mentioned European Union spokesperson Anitta Hipper in a press release.
“The EU recollects that the respect for human rights and basic freedoms is a central ingredient of the Macao Fundamental Legislation and ‘one nation, two methods’,” arrange within the former Portuguese colony.
The territory close to Hong Kong, identified for its casinos, has retained its personal authorized system since China took it again from Portugal in 1999.
The safety legislation, which restricts political exercise, was handed in 2009 however broadened in 2023.
Au, a legislator as much as 2021, has campaigned on social welfare, corruption and electoral reform.
