Artist Gao Zhen Detained Under Chinese Law for Allegedly Defaming Mao Zedong

Artist Gao Zhen Detained in China for Allegedly Insulting Revolutionary 'Heroes'

Gao Zhen, along with his brother Gao Qiang, is recognized for their provocative portrayals of Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution.

Gao Zhen, a Chinese artist recognized for his controversial portrayals of Mao Zedong, has been taken into custody under legislation that prohibits disparaging "heroes and martyrs."

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Gao Qiang announced that his brother, an artist aged 58, had been arrested last Monday when police visited their studio in Sanhe, located in Hebei province near Beijing.

Last Tuesday, Gao Zhen's wife was informed through a detention notice that her husband is under suspicion for "damaging the reputation and honor of a hero or martyr," according to the announcement.

In 2021, China incorporated a new crime into its criminal law, which is punishable by up to three years in prison.

Three years following the enactment of a 2018 law that prohibits disparaging individuals who died while defending the nation, this new measure was introduced.