Chinese artist Gao Zhen was sentenced to three years in prison on 25 August 2026 after a secret one-day trial for creating satirical sculptures of Mao Zedong, charged with 'slandering heroes and martyrs.' Gao had already spent two years in detention before the sentencing.
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Gao Zhen, part of a brotherly duo famous for satirical artworks, was convicted of slandering China’s heroes after a secret one-day trial.
Gao Zhen sentenced to three years in prison after already spending two years in detention Gao Zhen, a prominent Chinese artist known for provocative sculptures of the former leader Mao Zedong, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of slandering China’s “heroes and martyrs”. The sentencing came two years after he was detained while visiting the country with his family
Chinese artist sentenced to 3 years in prison over satirical Mao statues AP News
A Chinese court has sentenced artist Gao Zhen to three years in prison for "infringing upon the reputation of heroes" through his satirical art.
Chinese artist Gao Zhen received a three-year prison sentence for his satirical artwork. Authorities charged him with "infringing upon the reputation of heroes" for his art. Gao's wife expressed deep disappointment and sadness over the unexpected conviction. His supporters argue the artworks predate the law under which he was prosecuted. The sentence highlights China's narrowing space for artistic