Chinese contemporary artist Gao Zhen, 43, received a three-year prison sentence on May 15, 2024, from the Suzhou Wuzhong District People’s Court. The conviction for "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" stems from an incident that occurred during a family reunion in February 2023. Gao Zhen has been held at the Suzhou No. 1 Detention Center since his arrest on March 9, 2023.

The legal proceedings focused on an argument that transpired between Gao Zhen and his father, prominent painter and former art professor Gao Jianhua, during a Chinese New Year dinner. Reports indicate the verbal altercation escalated into a physical incident, during which Gao Zhen threw a ceramic bowl that struck his father. Despite the incident, Gao Jianhua reportedly did not wish to press charges against his son.

The charge of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" is a broad offense in China, frequently applied in cases involving activists, lawyers, and individuals perceived as expressing dissent. Gao Zhen's family and legal observers have expressed concerns regarding the proportionality of the sentence in relation to the nature of the family dispute.

Key details surrounding the case include:

  • Incident Date: February 2023, during Chinese New Year celebrations.
  • Arrest Date: March 9, 2023.
  • Sentencing Date: May 15, 2024.
  • Location: Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China.
  • Charge: "Picking quarrels and provoking trouble," as per Article 293 of China’s Criminal Law.
  • Prior History: Gao Zhen was previously detained for one month in 2017 under the same charge after an altercation with staff at a psychiatric hospital.
  • Mental Health: Gao Zhen has a documented history of bipolar disorder, a factor his family has highlighted in their appeals for leniency.

Gao Zhen’s mother, Liu Xiufeng, and wife, Liang Yanfang, have publicly stated that the three-year prison term is excessively harsh for a private family dispute. Gao Jianhua, his father, also issued a statement via WeChat requesting clemency for his son, citing Gao Zhen's mental health condition and emphasizing the private nature of their argument. The family plans to appeal the court's verdict.

Gao Zhen has been recognized for his work as a contemporary artist and, in 2008, served as an assistant to renowned artist Ai Weiwei. His artistic practice has included documenting various aspects of Chinese society, such as the aftermath of the Wenchuan earthquake and conditions in mental hospitals. His case has drawn attention from human rights groups, who often point to the broad application of the "picking quarrels and provoking trouble" charge as a mechanism for arbitrary detentions within China. The conviction and subsequent prison term underscore ongoing discussions regarding legal processes and freedom of expression for artists and individuals in the region.