The judge also approved the appointment of Au’s lawyer, citing the need to protect national security interests and a binding opinion issued by the city’s national security committee, which is led by Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai. Macao law allows judges to hold proceedings behind closed doors when the court and the security committee decide hearing a case publicly could harm national security. “It’s much worse than Hong Kong,” Au Hon I said of her father’s case. Polak called on Portugal and the European Union to speak up about Au’s case. Macao and Hong Kong have distinct legal landscapesMacao lawyers need approval from designated judges to participate in proceedings considered necessary for national security protection and the requests are vetted by the security committee.