TAKE ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

ARTIST GIVEN MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR HIS ART

China UA 106.24

Gao Zhen, a prominent Chinese artist, was detained in August 2024 after police raided his studio and confiscated artworks. In August 2026, he was sentenced to three years in prison for “slandering China’s heroes and martyrs” based on artworks created years before the offense became law. Gao has appealed his conviction. Serious concerns remain about his health and access to adequate medical care following reported collapses and hospitalization while detained. His wife is barred from leaving China, while their 8-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, is effectively unable to leave without his parents, disrupting his education and separating the family.

Call on Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Liu Xiaopeng to immediately and unconditionally release Gao Zhen. Pending his release, protect him from ill-treatment, ensure family contact and adequate independent medical care, and end harassment of his family, allowing them to leave China freely and safely - send your message to Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Xie Fang, using our email writing tool.

YOUR INFORMATION

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State

Postal Code

Country

Phone Number (Optional)

By providing your mobile number, you are signing up to receive calls and recurring fundraising and advocacy messages from Amnesty International USA at 213-33. Reply STOP to quit. Msg and data rates may apply. Privacy & Terms.

Postal Address Sharing

Do not exchange my postal address with other organizations.

Customize your message

Ambassador

Xie

Fang

Chinese Embassy in the United States

Dear Secretary Liu,
c/o: Ambassador Xie Fang,

I am concerned about the continued deprivation of liberty of artist Gao Zhen (高兟), who on August 25, 2026, was convicted of “slandering China's heroes and martyrs” and sentenced to the maximum three-year prison term simply for his peaceful artistic expression. He has appealed the verdict, and the case has been transferred to the Langfang Intermediate People's Court.

It is also alarming to learn about Gao Zhen's deteriorating health in detention. According to recent information, the day after his sentencing he reportedly vomited blood several times and was taken to hospital for examination. Although the immediate symptoms have reportedly subsided, this underscores the urgency of ensuring that he receives appropriate medical care and is protected from any form of torture or ill-treatment, so as not to worsen the situation. My distress further extends to Gao Zhen's family members. It has been reported that his wife and child, despite not being accused of any crime, have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, and restrictions on their rights, including a de facto exit ban, since his initial detention. Such treatment is punitive and violates their rights to freedom of movement.

I urge you to immediately and unconditionally release Gao Zhen. Pending his release, ensure that Gao’s right to communicate with his family is fully respected and protected, and that he is not subject to torture or other ill-treatment. He must receive adequate and independent medical assessment and treatment. Finally, I urge you to stop harassing and threatening his family and allow them to leave the country freely and safely;

Yours sincerely,

{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}