Chinese dissident artist Gao Zhen, one half of the internationally acclaimed Gao Brothers duo, is known for fearless works of creative dissent that confront authoritarianism and expose the human cost of state repression. For decades, his art has challenged authoritarian narratives and earned global recognition as a leading voice for artistic freedom. On August 26, 2024, Chinese police raided his studio near Beijing, detained him, and confiscated his artworks on accusations of “slandering heroes and martyrs,” charges brought under a vaguely defined law that has been applied retroactively to criminalize artistic expression. Gao Zhen remains in detention today, reportedly in critical condition after prolonged solitary confinement without adequate medical care or contact with his family. His closed-door trial, held on March 30, 2026, lasted a single day and ended without a verdict. In April 2026, HRF submitted a petition on his behalf to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.