Washington D.C. – Reuters, Aug. 26, 2026
The U.S. State Department said it has “significant concerns” over the case of Chinese artist Gao Zhen, who was sentenced to three years in prison by a Chinese court on Tuesday over dissident artworks, and said its diplomats were refused entry to the sentencing hearing.
“We have significant concerns regarding the case, against Gao Zhen, which we note was in connection with alleged actions taken years prior to the enactment of the law under which he was convicted,” a State Department spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement.
The United States continues to support the right to freedom of expression, including as exercised through art,” the spokesperson said.
