China is set to enforce new funeral management legislation aimed at curbing the practice of storing cremated remains in residential apartments, a trend that has emerged due to rising funeral costs and limited cemetery space. The law will take effect on Tuesday, just ahead of the Qingming festival, a time when families honor their ancestors by visiting gravesites. Meanwhile, a Chinese dissident artist faces trial for his satirical works depicting Mao Zedong, and a man in Perth is accused of attempting a terror attack during a public rally.

New Funeral Legislation in China
The Chinese government has introduced a law prohibiting the use of residential properties for the storage of cremated remains, commonly referred to as "bone ash apartments." This practice has gained popularity as urbanization and an ageing population have led to a scarcity of affordable cemetery plots. The legislation aims to ensure that burials and tomb constructions occur only in designated public cemeteries. With funeral expenses in China being the second highest globally, many citizens view apartments as a more economical option for storing ashes. The law comes amid significant public discourse on social media, with many expressing skepticism about its enforceability.

Trial of Dissident Artist Gao Zhen
In a separate development, Gao Zhen, a 69-year-old artist known for his controversial sculptures of Mao Zedong, has been tried in a closed court in Hebei province. Gao, who was detained in 2024 during a visit to China from the United States, faces accusations of "defaming national heroes and martyrs." His trial concluded without a verdict, and his wife has reported that she and their son are under exit bans, preventing them from leaving China. Gao's health has reportedly deteriorated during his detention, raising concerns about his well-being. The trial has drawn attention from international human rights groups and EU diplomats, who were also barred from attending.

Perth Man Charged with Terror Attempt
In Australia, Liam Alexander Hall, a 32-year-old man, has been accused of attempting to detonate a homemade bomb at an Invasion Day rally in Perth. Hall, who is currently undergoing treatment at a psychiatric facility, is charged with engaging in a terrorist act and making explosives. His legal team plans to enter a not guilty plea based on mental health grounds, citing Section 27 of the Criminal Code Act, which allows for a defense of insanity. The alleged incident occurred on January 26, 2026, when Hall reportedly threw the bomb into a crowd of approximately 2,500 people, although it failed to detonate. The case has been adjourned until May, and Hall remains in custody at the Frankland Centre, which has faced criticism for its treatment of mentally ill prisoners.

Wrap-up
The intersection of social issues, legal challenges, and public safety concerns is evident in these three distinct cases from China and Australia. The new funeral law in China seeks to address the growing problem of urbanization and its impact on traditional burial practices. Meanwhile, the trial of Gao Zhen highlights ongoing tensions regarding artistic freedom and government censorship. In Australia, Hall's case raises questions about mental health and public safety in the context of terrorism.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team