The Secretary for Security stressed that although the right to protest is enshrined in the Basic Law, such events “cannot cause social impact.” His remarks were made on May 28 during the traditional press conference where he presents Macau’s crime statistics. Wong was asked to comment on the cancellation of a Labor Day protest organized by the Power of the Macanese People, which aimed to criticize the number of migrant workers in the city. While the organization alleged “police pressure” to call off the protest, the Public Security Police (PSP) claimed the decision was “voluntary.” Wong also denied any pressure from the authorities but emphasized that “we cannot, for the interest of a single individual, harm our people,” citing a Spanish court ruling that upheld a protest ban due to the risk of religious conflict.
Police ultimately arrested a man protesting alone on May 1 for allegedly violating the Law on the Right of Assembly and Demonstration. This marked the first protest of its kind in the past six years.
All About Macau
The press conference also addressed the recent arrest of two journalists from *All About Macau* on April 17, outside the Legislative Assembly. The journalists in question had refused to attend the press conference in the designated room—which did not provide access to government officials—resulting in their arrest on suspicion of disrupting the functioning of Macau’s institutions (Article 304 of the Penal Code). Wong Sio Chak argued that “no profession is above the law,” rejecting the idea that journalistic activity justifies legal disobedience. “The police enforce the law according to the law,” he stated regarding the case, which is now under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Praising Crimes Can Lead to Prison
Wong also warned of the dangers of praising crimes on social media. This was in reference to a wave of online support for a driver who assaulted a police officer with a metal rod after being fined for illegal parking. The incident was recorded and widely shared.
“Praising criminals is inappropriate and can be a crime,” Wong cautioned, noting that Macau’s Penal Code provides for up to six months in prison for publicly endorsing crimes if it encourages similar behavior. The attacker was arrested and released on bail, with mandatory regular check-ins with the police and a travel ban. He faces charges of aggravated insult, damage, coercion, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Crime Data
Macau recorded a 7.3% decrease in overall crime during the first quarter of 2025, with 3,289 criminal investigations launched, according to data presented by Wong Sio Chak. Violent crime fell by 27.3%, with 21 fewer cases than in 2024. There were declines in kidnappings (−42.9%), robberies (−16.7%), and arson cases (−23.1%), along with ten rape cases—four fewer than the same period last year.
In contrast, gaming-related crimes surged by 61.5%, totaling 567 investigations, driven by the implementation of a law that criminalizes illegal currency exchange. Currency exchange offenses alone accounted for 132 cases. Wong warned of the risks associated with the rise in tourist numbers and confirmed a downward trend in fraud cases, with a 15% drop. Notable decreases included phone scams (74 cases, down by 22) and cyber fraud (145 cases, down by 47). However, child sexual abuse cases rose slightly, from four to five. Juvenile delinquency declined in case numbers but involved more young offenders.
