WorldLaw and crime
Chinese artist Gao Zhen sentenced to three years in prison over Mao statue artwork
A US-based Chinese artist was sentenced to three years in prison by a Chinese court for 'infringing upon the reputation of heroes' over satirical artworks depicting Mao Zedong.
Gao Zhen, a US-based Chinese artist and member of the artistic duo the Gao brothers, was sentenced on Tuesday to three years in prison by the Sanhei People's Court in northern Hebei province. The sentence was for 'infringing upon the reputation of heroes,' an offense related to artworks that Chinese authorities consider insulting to revolutionary figures.
Gao had been in official custody since his arrest in August 2024 during a family visit to China. His wife, Zhao Yaliang, said she had prepared clothes for him, expecting he might be freed soon. Instead, the sentence ended hopes of an immediate release and return to the family in the US.
The case centers on a satirical artwork involving statues of Mao Zedong, which authorities deemed insulting. Details of the specific works and the trial were not disclosed in the available information.
WorldLaw and crime
Chinese artist Gao Zhen sentenced to three years in prison over Mao statue artwork
A US-based Chinese artist was sentenced to three years in prison by a Chinese court for 'infringing upon the reputation of heroes' over satirical artworks depicting Mao Zedong.
Gao Zhen, a US-based Chinese artist and member of the artistic duo the Gao brothers, was sentenced on Tuesday to three years in prison by the Sanhei People's Court in northern Hebei province. The sentence was for 'infringing upon the reputation of heroes,' an offense related to artworks that Chinese authorities consider insulting to revolutionary figures.
Gao had been in official custody since his arrest in August 2024 during a family visit to China. His wife, Zhao Yaliang, said she had prepared clothes for him, expecting he might be freed soon. Instead, the sentence ended hopes of an immediate release and return to the family in the US.
The case centers on a satirical artwork involving statues of Mao Zedong, which authorities deemed insulting. Details of the specific works and the trial were not disclosed in the available information.