Mao Zedong stories

Aug 25, 2026

Chinese artist Gao Zhen sentenced to three years for Mao Zedong sculptures

Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen, known for satirical sculptures of former leader Mao Zedong, was sentenced to the maximum three years in prison for 'defaming national heroes and martyrs' after a secret one-day trial.

Aug 25, 20263 sources

Top claims

▪The Sanhe City People's Court in Hebei Province sentenced Chinese artist Gao Zhen to three years in prison on August 25, 2026, for slandering China's heroes and martyrs.
▪The prosecution's evidence against Gao Zhen targeted three specific artworks: 'Mao's Guilt', a sculpture of Mao with breasts and a Pinocchio nose, and a depiction of Mao statues pointing rifles at Jesus.
▪Gao Zhen, a 70-year-old Chinese citizen and United States permanent resident, was detained by Chinese authorities on August 26, 2024, while visiting China with his family.

Subtopics

Chinese Communist Party (CCP)China human rights disputes China's domestic politics

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