Chinese Artist Gao Zhen Detained

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } Chinese Artist Gao Zhen DetainedCulture > Human RightsGao Zhen, a Chinese artist known for his critical works on Mao Zedong, was detained by authorities in China while visiting from the US. He faces charges of slandering heroes and martyrs, a crime punishable by up to three years in prison. His artworks, created over a decade ago, were also confiscated during the arrest.

What's happened

Gao Zhen, a Chinese artist known for his critical works on Mao Zedong, was detained by authorities in China while visiting from the US. He faces charges of slandering heroes and martyrs, a crime punishable by up to three years in prison. His artworks, created over a decade ago, were also confiscated during the arrest.

Why it matters

What the papers say

According to The Independent, Gao Zhen was arrested during a police raid on August 26, with his brother Gao Qiang stating that about 30 officers confiscated artworks and his mobile phone. The Guardian noted that the police cited a complaint but did not provide details, highlighting the opaque nature of such detentions. The New York Times emphasized the retroactive application of the law, questioning its legality and fairness. The South China Morning Post reported that the law against slandering heroes and martyrs was introduced in 2021, reflecting a broader trend of increasing authoritarianism under Xi Jinping. This situation illustrates the ongoing struggle between artistic expression and state control in China.

How we got here

Gao Zhen, who moved to the US in 2022, has a history of conflict with Chinese authorities over his politically sensitive art. In 2021, China criminalized slandering heroes and martyrs, intensifying the crackdown on dissenting voices.

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