HRF condemns the one day, closed-door trial of Chinese dissident artist, Gao Zhen, for creating works of art that use satire to criticize the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s human rights abuses.

Gao Zhen was arrested in 2024 and charged with creating works that “defame and slander heroes and martyrs.” The three pieces cited in the case were all created 15 years prior to his arrest, and at least nine years prior to the passing of the law used to prosecute him.

The short length of the trial suggests his guilt had been predetermined. US and EU diplomats were denied entry to the courtroom, though the public was not banned from entering.

Since his arrest, Gao Zhen has been held in pre-trial detention without the ability to challenge his detention or communicate with his family. His health is worsening by the day and his 70th birthday is in May. His wife and son are not allowed to leave China, even though they are US residents.

HRF calls on the international community to monitor Gao’s detention and demands the CCP immediately and unconditionally release him.