Artist Known for Mao Zedong Sculptures Jailed for Slandering 'Heroes and Martyrs'

{"

Gao Zhen's Art and Detention":-1234567890,"Gao Zhen's Art and Detention":"Gao Zhen, a prominent Chinese artist, is known for his provocative sculptures of Mao Zedong. His most famous work depicts Mao Zedong kneeling, while another piece features a firing squad made up of seven Mao statues pointing rifles at Jesus. The artworks were created more than a decade before China enacted the law banning defamation of heroes and martyrs.","Detention and Trial":"Gao Zhen was detained in August 2024 after returning to China with his family. He was found guilty of slandering 'heroes and martyrs' under the new law and sentenced to three years in prison. His wife and son were not allowed to enter the court, and his studio and property were sealed.","Human Rights Concerns":"The case has drawn international condemnation, with human rights groups and Amnesty International expressing concern over the family's treatment. Gao Zhen's wife and son have been unable to leave China since his detention, with his wife facing travel restrictions based on national security grounds."}