Artist faces prison in secretive trial over satirical Mao Zedong sculptures
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By Laurie Chen
Originally published by Independent on March 30, 2026
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/china/gao-zhen-mao-sculptures-trial-b2948352.html
The New York-based artist was detained while on a trip to China
Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen, renowned for his provocative satirical sculptures of former leader Mao Zedong, faced trial on Monday over accusations of “defaming national heroes and martyrs,” a human rights group has reported.
Gao, 69, who was detained in 2024 during a visit from the US, could face a maximum three-year prison sentence, according to Shane Yi, a researcher at the Chinese Human Rights Defenders group, which operates outside China.
The closed-door, one-day trial took place at Sanhe City People’s Court in Hebei province and concluded without a verdict, Yi said, citing information from his lawyers and family.
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Yi said: “This really shows the Chinese government’s logic, when they want to target someone, they can use anything in their power to do so. Gao Zhen is an artist. He has a right to artistic freedom, period.”
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Concerns have also been raised about Gao’s health, with Yi reporting that he is suffering from malnutrition, lumbar spine disease, and chronic knee and eye conditions that require treatment.
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