Lawmakers in Macao have unanimously passed a bill allowing closed-door trials in cases where public proceedings are deemed harmful to national security. The legislation, approved on Thursday, grants new powers to the city's national security committee, which can now request judges to hold hearings behind closed doors if both parties agree.
The committee's membership will be expanded to include officials from cultural affairs, education, and youth development, broadening its representation beyond security officials and police chiefs. Critics argue that this move strengthens authorities' control over political expression, echoing similar trends in neighbouring Hong Kong.
The bill passed amid concerns following the first known case under Macao's national security law, which saw former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San detained last year on suspicion of colluding with external forces. Observers worry that closed trials could undermine judicial transparency.
The Macao government stated that the legislation is crucial for safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. It will take effect one day after publication in the official gazette. Macao, a former Portuguese colony and major gambling hub, has seen increased political controls since the 2019 anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
