China sentences artist Gao Zhen to 3 years

Chinese artist and US permanent resident Gao Zhen, 70, was sentenced to three years in prison on August 25, 2026. The Sanhe City People's Court in Hebei Province convicted him of 'slandering China's heroes and martyrs' for artistic works created over a decade ago. For more details on the legal proceedings, see our fixtures page.

Amnesty International has denounced the verdict. The group's China Director, Sarah Brooks, stated that the maximum sentence under the charge illustrates a state campaign to deter independent expression. 'No artist should face criminal punishment for creating work that challenges official narratives or encourages critical reflection on history,' Brooks said.

Use of a repressive law

The case demonstrates the application of a broadly worded law. Authorities detained Gao Zhen in August 2024 on suspicion of 'infringing upon the reputation and honour of heroes and martyrs'. Amnesty International argues the law is politically motivated and was applied retroactively in this instance. It is being used to silence those with views differing from the government's, the organization contends.

Brooks added a pointed critique. 'This trial demonstrates how broadly worded and politically motivated laws are used, and worse, in this case, used retroactively, to silence artists, activists and other individuals,' she stated.

Family targeted and health concerns

State repression has extended to Gao Zhen's family. His wife and child face harassment and an exit ban, though they are not accused of any crime. They have reportedly been unable to leave China since his detention. In August 2026, Amnesty International raised the case with European Union leadership concerning China's use of exit bans against human rights defenders and their relatives. For related cases and statistics, visit our stats page.

Gao Zhen's health is a serious concern. He suffers from lumbar spine disease and fluid accumulation in his knees. Reliable reports indicate he has collapsed multiple times in detention. His communication with family has been severely restricted since May 2025.

Call for international standards

Amnesty International calls for specific actions aligned with international human rights standards. The organization demands Gao Zhen's immediate release and the dropping of all charges. It insists harassment of his family must cease, allowing his wife and child to leave freely.

The group also calls for legal reform. Brooks urged Chinese authorities to repeal the heroes and martyrs law unless it can be brought into line with international human rights standards. Authorities must cease criminalizing peaceful expression and artistic creation. Gao Zhen has decided to appeal the conviction. His sentence is due to end on August 25, 2027.