China: Cases of Artist Gao Zhen and Lawyer Yu Wensheng
Summary
The UN Human Rights Office expressed concern over the trial of artist Gao Zhen on charges of 'slandering heroes and martyrs' relating to satirical sculptures created over a decade before the offense was introduced into law, raising concerns about retroactive application of criminal law. The Office also noted the release of human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng on 13 April after completing a 36-month sentence and called for unconditional release of all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights.
What changed
The UN Human Rights Office issued a public statement expressing concern over two human rights cases in China. The first involves artist Gao Zhen, who faces prosecution under a law enacted after his satirical sculptures were created more than a decade earlier, raising concerns about retroactive application of criminal law. The second concerns human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng, who was released on 13 April after serving a 36-month sentence.
Affected parties and observers should monitor these cases for developments. The OHCHR called for Gao Zhen's immediate and unconditional release, the lifting of exit bans on his family, and for all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights to be released unconditionally with all restrictions lifted. This statement reflects ongoing international scrutiny of China's human rights practices.
What to do next
- Monitor for updates on Gao Zhen case judgment and Yu Wensheng's condition
- Monitor for updates on other individuals detained for peaceful exercise of rights in China
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
China: Cases of artist Gao Zhen and lawyer Yu Wensheng
15 April 2026
From
UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango
Location
Geneva
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We are concerned by the trial of Gao Zhen, a prominent contemporary artist, on charges of “slandering heroes and martyrs” relating to satirical sculptures he created more than a decade before the offence under which he is charged was introduced into law.
The case against him raises concerns with regard to retroactive application of criminal law and use of criminal sanctions to punish artistic expression, undermining the principle of legality. We are further concerned by reports that his health is deteriorating in detention and urge the authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally. We also call for the lifting of the exit ban that has been imposed on his family.
Gao Zhen was arrested in August 2024 and remains in detention pending judgment following the conclusion of his closed-door trial on 30 March 2026.
We also note the release of human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng on 13 April after he completed a 36-month sentence on charges of “inciting subversion of State power”. It is crucial that his release is unconditional, that any related restrictions on him and his wife Xu Yan, including on freedom of movement and expression, are lifted, and that they are free from surveillance.
We also urge the Chinese authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all other individuals currently detained for peacefully exercising their rights, including under the vague and overly broad provisions related to "inciting subversion" and "picking quarrels and provoking trouble".
For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Geneva
Jeremy Laurence: +41 22 917 9383 / [email protected]
In Nairobi
Seif Magango : +254 78834 3897 / [email protected]
WhatsApp
X @UNHumanRights
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