Huizhong Wu

Chinese-American artist Gao Zhen was sentenced to three years in prison in Hebei for allegedly infringing on the reputation of revolutionary heroes through satirical artworks depicting Mao Zedong. Arrested during a 2024 family visit to China, Gao plans to appeal, with advocates noting that the works predated the law used to prosecute him. Amnesty International and Chinese Human Rights Defenders condemned the conviction as an effort to deter independent artistic expression, while Gao’s wife expressed disappointment and hopes for his release and return to the United States.

Chinese-American artist Gao Zhen was sentenced to three years in prison by a court in Hebei for allegedly infringing on the reputation of revolutionary heroes through satirical works depicting Mao Zedong. Detained while visiting family in China in August 2024, Gao was prosecuted under a law banning criticism of national heroes, despite the cited sculptures having been created before the law was enacted. Human-rights advocates and Amnesty International condemned the ruling as an attack on freedom of expression, while Gao plans to appeal. His wife, Zhao Yaliang, said the sentence dashed her hopes of bringing him home to the United States.