US voices 'significant concerns' over Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen's prison sentence

The United States has voiced "significant concerns" regarding the conviction and three-year prison sentence handed down to Chinese artist Gao Zhen. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated that the artist's sentencing on Tuesday, related to dissident artworks, raises serious questions, particularly as the alleged actions occurred years before the law under which he was convicted was enacted. Adding to the U.S. apprehension, diplomats from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and other diplomatic missions were denied entry to the sentencing hearing in Sanhe, Hebei Province. The State Department reiterated its support for the right to freedom of expression, including through art. Gao Zhen, 70, a New York-based artist, gained recognition for his satirical sculptures, notably those depicting former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. He was detained in August 2024 during a visit to China from the U.S. His trial earlier this year was reportedly a one-day, closed-door proceeding. The conviction was based on China's "Law on the Protection of Heroes and Martyrs," under which he received the maximum sentence for "defaming national heroes and martyrs." Gao's wife, Zhao Yaliang, and their U.S. citizen son have reportedly been prevented from leaving China since his detention two years ago.

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We have significant concerns regarding the case, against Gao Zhen, which we note was in connection with alleged actions taken years prior to the enactment of the law under which he was convicted.