A renowned Chinese contemporary artist, Gao Zhen, is going on trial for his satirical artwork that mocked the ruling Communist Party, with his wife forced to act as his advocate.

Gao Zhen, a famed contemporary artist, goes on trial this week for "slandering heroes and martyrs" of China's ruling Communist Party. His wife has been forced to become his advocate. <p>Gao Zhen, a famed contemporary artist, goes on trial this week for "slandering heroes and martyrs" of China's ruling Communist Party. His wife has been forced to become his advocate.</p><img src="https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5759194" />