Artist known for sculptures of Mao Zedong jailed for slandering ‘heroes and martyrs’
Summary
Gao Zhen, a Chinese artist known for sculptures of Mao Zedong, was sentenced to three years in prison for slandering China’s "heroes and martyrs." He was detained in 2024 after returning to China and charged under a law from 2018 that bans defamation of these figures.Key Facts
- Gao Zhen is known for provocative sculptures of Mao Zedong, including Mao kneeling and a firing squad of Mao statues aiming at Jesus.
- Gao was detained on August 26, 2024, after returning to China with his family.
- He was convicted of slandering "heroes and martyrs" under a 2018 Chinese law.
- The law does not apply retroactively, but Gao’s artworks were created more than 10 years before the law was passed.
- His family reports Gao has health problems from detention, including fainting and heatstroke.
- His wife and son have been unable to leave China since his arrest; his son is a US citizen.
- Human rights groups say Gao’s prosecution is an effort to discourage independent art and expression.
- Gao produced new artwork while detained and remains mentally sharp, according to his family.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
