China jails New York-based artist Gao Zhen for "slandering heroes and martyrs" over Mao artworks

Gao Zhen, 69, a Chinese artist living in New York, was jailed after a closed-door one-day trial in March 2026 on charges of "slandering heroes and martyrs." The case centers on artworks including "Miss Mao" and "Mao's Guilt." Gao was detained in August 2024 during a family visit to China and remained in custody. The UN human rights office raised concern in April 2026.