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# Chinese artist Gao Zhen sentenced to 3 years over works depicting Mao
- URL: https://www.urgentmatter.press/chinese-artist-gao-zhen-sentenced-to-3-years-over-works-depicting-mao/
- Published: 2026-08-25T04:24:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-25T04:24:49.000Z
- Description: A U.S. Embassy representative was denied permission to observe the sentencing.
- Author: Adam Schrader
- Tags: Law and Crime, #public-access

Chinese artist Gao Zhen was sentenced Tuesday in the People’s Court of Sanhe City to three years in prison for allegedly infringing on the reputation of national heroes and martyrs with his sculptures depicting Mao Zedong.

Gao’s sentence is due to expire on August 25, 2027, according to Rights Defense Network, a Chinese human rights advocacy group that shared the verdict [in a blog post](https://wqw2010.blogspot.com/2026/08/3%5F02003976269.html?spref=tw&ref=urgentmatter.press). The news was separately [shared on social media](https://x.com/CHRDnet/status/2092093550011834492?ref=urgentmatter.press) by the U.S.-based group Chinese Human Rights Defenders.

Two of Gao’s brothers were allowed to attend the sentencing, while a U.S. Embassy representative was denied permission to observe, Rights Defense Network reported. Urgent Matter has reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment.

Gao, 70, was detained August 26, 2024, after returning to China to visit family. Authorities accused him of “infringing on the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs.”

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The case centers on artworks created by Gao and his brother Gao Qiang, who have worked together as the Gao Brothers since the 1980s. Their work includes sculptures and other pieces depicting Mao in satirical and provocative ways.

The case has drawn international attention partly because the artworks were created before China adopted its Heroes and Martyrs Protection Law in 2018, the criminal provision used to prosecute Gao.

Gao was formally prosecuted after his detention, and his lawyer’s bail application was rejected in December 2025\. Prosecutors recommended a three-year sentence.

The Sanhe court held Gao’s trial behind closed doors on March 30\. Family members were barred from attending, while European Union representatives were also denied access. The court did not immediately issue a verdict.

Gao is in poor health, Urgent Matter [previously reported](https://www.urgentmatter.press/artist-gao-zhen-detained-china-poor-health/). He fainted in September 2025, after which a jail doctor said he may have arteriosclerosis. He remains detained at a Sanhe detention center.

Meanwhile, Gao’s wife remains barred from leaving China, reportedly on “national security” grounds, the family has said. Their 7-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, has been unable to return to his home and school in New York.

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