Chinese artist and US permanent resident Gao Zhen was first detained in August 2024 for “slandering heroes and martyrs.” According to reports, his trial is expected in mid-August 2025. His wife and child, who travelled with him to China, have also a de facto travel ban since his arrest. No artist or individual should be punished solely for their creative work or for expressing their personal views; Chinese authorities must release Gao Zhen immediately and unconditionally, and lift all extra-legal restrictions on his wife and child, allowing them to leave the country freely and safely.