Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhan sentenced to 3 years for 'defaming heroes'

Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhan, 70, has been sentenced to the maximum penalty of three years in prison for allegedly "defaming heroes and martyrs." The verdict was delivered by the Sanhe City People's Court in Hebei Province on August 25, according to reports from Reuters and AP, and publicized by the US-based human rights group Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD).

Gao Zhan, who worked with his brother Gao Chang as the "Gao Brothers," has created works critical of the Cultural Revolution and authoritarianism. His most famous piece, "Mao's Sin," is a bronze sculpture depicting Mao Zedong kneeling in repentance. Another notable series, "Miss Mao," features Mao with a long nose and breasts. These works were exhibited both domestically and internationally during periods when Chinese society was more open.

“

Sentencing him to three years for works created long before the law existed is unacceptable.

However, under President Xi Jinping's administration, controls have tightened on expressions that criticize or distort revolutionary leaders and national heroes. Human rights organizations have pointed out the discrepancy between the timing of Gao's artwork creation and the law used for his prosecution. The problematic pieces were made between 2005 and 2009, while China's "Law on the Protection of Heroes and Martyrs" was enacted in 2018, with related criminal punishment provisions strengthened in 2021.

"Sentencing him to three years for works created long before the law existed is unacceptable," stated Xie Yang, a researcher at CHRD, urging his release. Sarah Brooks, China Director at Amnesty International, criticized the sentence, calling it a demonstration of the Chinese authorities' intent to suppress independent artistic activities. Gao Zhan, who resided in New York, was arrested in August 2026 upon arriving in China to visit family. He reportedly underwent a closed-door trial, with neither family members nor diplomats from Western countries permitted to attend, according to Reuters. Gao's wife, Zhao Yaliang, expressed "fury" over the verdict and plans to appeal.

“

The maximum sentence handed down shows the Chinese authorities' determination to suppress independent artistic activities.