politics
March 30, 2026
Trial of Chinese artist for insulting Mao Zedong's "heroes and martyrs"
Chinese artist and dissident Gao Zhan, known for his satirical sculptures of former People's Republic of China leader Mao Zedong, was brought to court today on charges of "defaming national heroes and martyrs," and the trial concluded without a verdict, his wife and human rights organizations announced.
TL;DR
- Gao Zhan, a Chinese artist and dissident, is on trial for "defaming national heroes and martyrs."
- He is known for satirical sculptures of Mao Zedong that criticize the Cultural Revolution.
- The trial, held in Sanhe city, concluded without a verdict, with a judgment expected later.
- Gao faces a potential sentence of up to three years in prison.
- The charges stem from artworks created between 2005 and 2009, despite the relevant law being passed in 2018.
- Human rights organizations criticize the arbitrary use of law by authorities.
- Diplomats and Gao's family members were not allowed to attend the trial, and his family is under a travel ban.
- Gao Zhan reportedly suffers from health issues, including malnutrition and chronic illnesses.
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