Chinese Artist Gao Zhen Jailed for Sculptures of Mao Zedong

Gao Zhen, a prominent Chinese artist, has been sentenced to three years in prison for slandering China's 'heroes and martyrs'. The artist was detained two years ago while visiting the country with his family. His case has attracted international condemnation, as the artworks at the centre of the case were created over 10 years before China created the law under which Gao was charged. Gao's wife and human rights groups have spoken out against the sentencing, highlighting the unfair nature of the case. The artist's detention and sentencing have sparked concerns about China's treatment of artists and its restrictions on free expression. Gao's sculptures of Mao Zedong were seen as provocative, but the timing of the law and the severity of the punishment have raised questions about the fairness of the case.