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Chinese artist jailed for three years over satirical Mao Zedong works

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Chinese artist Gao Zhen was sentenced to three years in prison for "infringing upon the reputation of heroes."
  • The charges stem from satirical artworks depicting former leader Mao Zedong, created between 2005 and 2009.
  • International rights groups condemned the verdict, calling for Gao's immediate release and the repeal of the law used against him.

A Chinese artist, Gao Zhen, has been sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly "infringing upon the reputation of heroes" through his satirical artworks. The verdict, delivered by the Sanhei People's Court, has drawn international condemnation and calls for the artist's immediate release.

Gao Zhen, who was living and working in the United States, was arrested in August 2024 while visiting family in China. He is part of the internationally known artistic duo, the Gao Brothers. The charges against him relate to satirical works created between 2005 and 2009, which Chinese authorities deemed insulting to revolutionary figures. Notable pieces include a 2009 statue titled "Mao's Guilt," depicting Mao Zedong kneeling in repentance, and "Miss Mao," a caricature of the former leader with exaggerated features.

We feel outraged. Ever since I learned of the verdict, I haven't been able to recover from it. It's devastating.

— Zhao YaliangGao Zhen's wife, Zhao Yaliang, reacting to the court's verdict.

His wife, Zhao Yaliang, expressed outrage and devastation over the verdict. "We feel outraged. Ever since I learned of the verdict, I haven't been able to recover from it. It's devastating," she told Reuters. Gao was charged under China's "Law on the Protection of Heroes and Martyrs," enacted in 2018 and strengthened in 2021. Crucially, the law has been applied retrospectively to artworks created years before its full implementation.

Amnesty International's China Director, Sarah Brooks, criticized the verdict, stating it exemplifies the authorities' intent to deter independent artistic expression. "No artist should face criminal punishment for creating work that challenges official narratives or encourages critical reflection on history," Brooks said. She urged Chinese authorities to repeal the law unless it aligns with international human rights standards and to cease criminalizing peaceful expression. Gao's wife and son, a US citizen, have reportedly been blocked from leaving China since his detention.

No artist should face criminal punishment for creating work that challenges official narratives or encourages critical reflection on history.

— Sarah BrooksSarah Brooks, Amnesty International's China Director, on the implications of the artist's sentencing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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