In the US, a Russian scientist from Harvard was released from custody

Ksenia Petrov leaves Federal Court of Boston

Photo: Boston Globe/Depositphotos

The Federal Court of Boston (USA) released the Russian scientist Kseniy Petrov, who worked at Harvard University.

She spent several months in custody because of accusation In the smuggling import of frog embryos into the territory of America, reports The Washington Post.

Judge Judith Dane decided that Petrov should appear in court next week to further consider the case. If it is found guilty of smuggling, it is threatened with up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $ 250,000.

The incident happened in February, when Petrov returned to the United States. According to the Ministry of Internal Security, she did not inform the customs services that she transported biological samples for scientific research.

During the search, she found Petri cups (shallow cylindrical vessels made of plastic or glass), vials with embryonic frog cells and other biomaterials – all this without proper permits

After the detention, the federal authorities canceled her research visa and placed Petrov to the immigration isolator in Louisian. The researcher’s lawyer stated that such violations usually entail only a fine of up to $ 500, and called the visa cancellation legally unjustified.

Petrov arrived in Harvard in 2023 from Europe for cellular development research, which is important for the study of cancer. Colleagues at the university actively support it – they have sent more than two dozen letters to court, which are called Petrov, a responsible and talented researcher.

Petrov is also known for his civic position: previously arrested in Russia for speeches against the war in Ukraine and criticism of Putin’s dictator on the Internet. Her lawyer and human rights activists feared that in the event of deportation to Russia, she would be threatened with imprisonment.

Recall in the USA Judged The Harvard School of Medicine, which traded parts of the bodies – he pleaded guilty.