Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen faced a closed-door trial on Monday concerning his provocative satirical sculptures of former leader Mao Zedong. The 69-year-old’s hearing took place at Sanhe City People’s Court in Hebei province, near Beijing, and concluded without a verdict.
Gao’s wife, Zhao Yaliang, revealed she was denied entry to the courtroom after proceedings began. A rights group researcher shared this information based on Gao’s lawyers’ statements. Verdicts in such politically sensitive cases are typically delivered months after the trial.
Gao, who relocated to the United States in 2022, was detained during a family visit to China in August 2024, despite having traveled there previously without incident. Zhao strongly condemned his detention, emphasizing Gao’s right to artistic freedom.
Together with his brother Gao Qiang, Gao Zhen created controversial artworks critiquing the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), including pieces titled Miss Mao and Mao’s Guilt. Zhao also stated that she and their seven-year-old American son are currently subject to exit bans and have not seen Gao since 2024. Reports indicate Gao is suffering from malnutrition and chronic health problems.
The charges against Gao relate to works produced between 2005 and 2009, even though the Law on the Protection of Heroes and Martyrs, which criminalizes insults to military or historical figures, was enacted in 2018 and strengthened in 2021. This legislation has been used to prosecute individuals accused of defaming national heroes.
In a notable precedent, a comedian was fined $2 million in 2021 for referencing a People’s Liberation Army slogan. The Sanhe Public Security Bureau has not issued any comments regarding Gao’s case.
