China jails satirical Mao artist, rights groups warn of crackdown
A Chinese court sentenced artist Gao Zhen to up to three years in prison for satirical Mao Zedong sculptures, accusing him of defaming historical figures; Amnesty International and the UN condemn the retroactive use of defamation laws and say the case signals a broader crackdown on artistic expression. Gao has been detained for two years, with the possibility of serving the full term until August 2027 if upheld.
