How a family reunion in China ended in a 3-year prison term for artist Gao Zhen

Gao was arrested while visiting family in China in August 2024, after travelling back from the US, where he and his family had immigrated. He has remained in custody for about two years since then. A family visit to China back in August 2024 ended with a three-year prison sentence for a US-based Chinese artist. Gao Zhen, a member of the artistic duo the Gao brothers, was given the prison sentence over a satirical artwork involving statues of Mao Zedong.Gao was sentenced on Tuesday by the Sanhei People's Court in northern Hebei province for “infringing upon the reputation of heroes”, according to his wife, Zhao Yaliang. The offence relates to artworks that Chinese authorities consider insulting to revolutionary figures.The sentence brought an abrupt end to hopes that Gao, who has remained in official custody since his arrest, would soon be released and return to his family in the US. Zhao said she had prepared clothes for her husband, expecting that he might be freed.“I felt two years was my limit, and I was really disappointed and sad. I haven't been able to catch my breath,” she said.Gao was arrested while visiting family in China in August 2024, after travelling back from the US,...