Chinese artist who satirized Mao to stand trial for 'slandering heroes and martyrs'

NPR | By Emily Feng

Published March 30, 2026 at 6:02 PM EDT

Gao Zhen, a famed contemporary artist, goes on trial this week for "slandering heroes and martyrs" of China's ruling Communist Party. His wife has been forced to become his advocate.

Emily Feng

Emily Feng is NPR's Beijing correspondent.

See stories by Emily Feng

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