US condemns China's three-year prison sentence for dissident artist

The U.S. State Department has lodged formal concerns over the conviction of Chinese artist Gao Zhen, who was sentenced Tuesday by a Beijing court to three years in prison for artworks deemed subversive by authorities.

American diplomatic officials were denied access to the sentencing hearing, according to State Department statements. The exclusion of foreign observers from the proceedings has raised fresh questions about judicial transparency in China, where closed-door trials of politically sensitive cases remain common practice.

The case reflects mounting tensions between Washington and Beijing over issues of artistic freedom and political expression. The U.S. has previously criticized China's handling of dissidents and activists, particularly those using creative mediums to challenge state narratives.

Gao Zhen's conviction marks another instance of Chinese authorities moving against artists whose work carries political undertones. The sentencing underscores ongoing restrictions on freedom of expression within China, despite the country's international cultural standing and growing influence in global art markets.

The U.S. State Department has indicated it will continue monitoring the case and raising concerns through diplomatic channels with Chinese officials.