Chinese Artist Detained for Alleged Defamation of Mao Zedong Under ‘Heroes and Martyrs’ Law

Artist Gao Zhen Detained Under China's Laws for Insulting Revolutionary 'Heroes'

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

Gao Zhen, a Chinese artist renowned for his critical portrayals of Mao Zedong, has been arrested under legislation that prohibits the defamation of "heroes and martyrs."

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Gao Qiang, the brother of the artist, announced that the 58-year-old was arrested last Monday. The arrest occurred when police visited their studio in Sanhe, located in Hebei province near Beijing.

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

In 2021, China incorporated a new crime into its criminal code, which is punishable by up to three years of incarceration.

The new provision was introduced three years following the enactment of a 2018 law that prohibits the defamation of individuals who lost their lives while defending the nation.