The United Nations human rights office has voiced serious alarm about the prosecution of Chinese artist Gao Zhen, who gained recognition for creating satirical sculptures depicting former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
According to the UN human rights office, Gao faced trial in late March on charges of “slandering national heroes and martyrs” under legislation that was enacted more than ten years after he produced his controversial satirical artwork.
“The case against him raises concerns with regard to retroactive application of criminal law and use of criminal sanctions to punish artistic expression, undermining the principle of legality,” the office said in a statement.
Chinese officials in Geneva have not yet provided a response to requests for comment on the matter.
Gao, who was arrested in 2024 while visiting from the United States, could receive up to three years behind bars, according to his spouse Zhao Yaliang and Shane Yi, who works as a researcher with the Chinese Human Rights Defenders organization based outside China.
The UN rights office has demanded Gao’s immediate freedom from custody, where he remains while awaiting a decision following his private trial that wrapped up on March 30. Officials cited worries about his declining health condition.
The single-day proceedings occurred at Sanhe City People’s Court in Hebei province, which borders the capital city of Beijing, and concluded without announcing a decision, Zhao and Yi reported to news outlets, based on information received from his legal representatives.
In cases like this, final decisions are typically made public several months after trial proceedings end.
