Chinese Artist Gao Zhen Detained for Sculptures Criticizing Mao Zedong
Gao Zhen, known for provocative depictions of Mao, faces charges under China's Heroes and Martyrs Protection Law.
- Gao Zhen was arrested in Hebei province while visiting family from the US.
- The Gao Brothers' artworks, critical of Mao and the Cultural Revolution, were confiscated.
- The 2021 law criminalizes slandering revolutionary heroes, with up to three years' imprisonment.
- Authorities have not commented on the detention, which critics say targets past works.
- Supporters argue the charges violate the principle of non-retroactivity in modern law.
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