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US expresses grave concern over artist Gao Zhan's conviction in China

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • The United States has expressed "grave concern" over the conviction and three-year prison sentence of Chinese artist Gao Zhan.
  • Gao Zhan is known for works including a statue depicting Mao Zedong kneeling in repentance.
  • The US State Department noted that the laws used to convict Gao were enacted years after his alleged actions and that diplomats were denied access to his sentencing.

The United States has voiced "grave concern" regarding the recent conviction and sentencing of Chinese artist Gao Zhan, who received a three-year prison term. Gao Zhan, known for his provocative art, including a statue titled "Repentance" that portrays Mao Zedong in a kneeling posture, faces legal repercussions in China.

We express grave concern regarding the case of Gao Zhan.

— U.S. State Department spokespersonExpressing the United States' official stance on the artist's conviction.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated that the U.S. is seriously concerned about Gao Zhan's case. The spokesperson specifically pointed out that the legal basis for his conviction stems from laws enacted years after the artist's alleged actions, raising questions about the retroactive application of justice.

Adding to the U.S. concerns, diplomats from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and several other foreign missions were reportedly denied entry to observe Gao Zhan's sentencing on the 25th. The State Department reiterated its commitment to supporting freedom of expression, including its exercise through artistic mediums.

We note that the laws under which he was convicted were enacted years after the conduct for which he was accused.

— U.S. State Department spokespersonHighlighting concerns about the legal basis of Gao Zhan's conviction.

Gao Zhan, a 70-year-old avant-garde artist from Shandong province, relocated to the United States in 2022. He was detained by police at his Beijing studio in August 2024 while visiting China with his family. His wife and young son were reportedly prevented from leaving the country. Gao Zhan has denied the charges and plans to appeal his sentence, which, considering his two years of detention, theoretically means he could be released next year.

The United States continues to support the right to freedom of expression, including through the exercise of this right via art.

— U.S. State Department spokespersonReaffirming the U.S. commitment to freedom of expression.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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