Chinese Artist Gao Zhen Detained for Allegedly Defaming Mao Faces Upcoming Trial

Artist Gao Zhen, of the Gao Brothers duo, has been detained in a Chinese detention center for nearly a year, facing charges under the country’s repressive anti-defamation laws. The artist has now hired Mo Shaoping, a renowned human rights lawyer, to represent him. Gao Zhen was arrested last August for satirical artworks of Mao Zedong and refuses to plead guilty, risking a three-year prison sentence. The case has drawn attention from international rights organizations and notable activists like Ai Weiwei, prompting a petition with over 20,000 signatures demanding his release. Despite being a U.S. permanent resident, Gao’s family faces restrictions, with Chinese authorities seizing over 100 artworks deemed as evidence. The case highlights broader concerns over freedom of expression and human rights violations in China, especially against critics of the government.