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UN Urges Release of Detained Artist Gao Zhen Amid Trial

4/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern about Gao Zhen's trial and retroactive charges of 'slandering national heroes and martyrs'.
Gao Zhen's trial concluded on March 30 without a verdict, and he remains detained.
He faces a potential three-year sentence.
The UN called for his immediate release, citing deteriorating health and artistic freedom concerns.
The Chinese mission in Geneva has not commented.

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Story summary

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern about Gao Zhen's trial and retroactive charges of 'slandering national heroes and martyrs'.
Gao Zhen's trial concluded on March 30 without a verdict, and he remains detained.
He faces a potential three-year sentence.
The UN called for his immediate release, citing deteriorating health and artistic freedom concerns.
The Chinese mission in Geneva has not commented.