Chinese Artist Gao Zhen Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Satirical Mao Sculptures

On March 30, 2026, Gao Zhen, an artist, received a three-year prison sentence for creating satirical sculptures depicting Mao Zedong. He had been in custody since August 26, 2024, after visiting family in China, while he was living in the United States. The court invoked Article 299-1 of the Chinese Penal Code, which prohibits actions that harm the reputation of heroes and martyrs. The defense contended that the law was applied retroactively since the sculptures were created in the 2000s. Authorities confiscated nearly 120 pieces, including 'Miss Mao' (2006) and 'The Guilt of Mao' (2009). Gao's family cannot leave China, and US diplomats were denied access to the trial. He intends to appeal and is anticipated to be released on August 25, 2027.