Chinese Artist Gao Zhen Faces Closed-Door Trial for Satirical Mao Sculptures
Comments Off on Chinese Artist Gao Zhen Faces Closed-Door Trial for Satirical Mao Sculptures
Originally published by National Today on March 31, 2026
Gao’s provocative artworks criticizing Mao Zedong have led to charges of ‘defaming revolutionary martyrs’ under China’s tightening censorship laws.
Chinese artist Gao Zhen, known for his irreverent sculptures of Mao Zedong, is facing a closed-door trial in China on charges of ‘defaming revolutionary martyrs.’ Gao, who has been detained for over a year and a half, could face up to 3 years in prison if convicted. The case highlights the shrinking space for free expression under President Xi Jinping’s administration.
…
Shane Yi
A researcher at the nonprofit Chinese Human Rights Defenders, who says the use of a ‘contrived, retroactively applied law’ in Gao’s closed-door trial is evidence of ‘serious due process violations.’
…