Harvard scientist Kseniia Petrova faced exile, criminal charges against frog fetal samples – what happened here

A Russian -born Harvard scientist, Kenia Petrova, is at the center of a complex legal battle in the United States after arrest in February and is later detained by immigration and customs enforcement (ICE). A 30 -year -old researcher at Harvard Medical School is facing exile to Russia, a country that is afraid of political oppression. He is still alleging smuggling of undeclared biological samples in the US.The case began when Petrova returned from a holiday in France and was stopped at Boston Logan International Airport. Customs officials allegedly discovered the undeclared frog fetus in his luggage, which immediately prevented his J -1 visa and ice detention, said AP. Petrova later said that he was not realized that he needed to be declared and denied any attempt to hide them.The US Department of Homeland Security accused Petrova of “lying to federal authorities” and said messages over his phone indicated that it had planned to bypass the customs protocol. The samples, which included frog embryos in the microsantriphus tube, were later confirmed by his patron, Harvard Professor Leon offering to be non-khatrik. “I don’t think he did anything wrong,” he was quoted by news agency AP. “Most of him should have been a warning or perhaps fine.”Despite the relatively modest nature of alleged customs violations, Petrova now faces a count of smuggling, which imposes a maximum of 20 years of jail and a fine of $ 250,000. The allegation was filed three months after his arrest, as a worm -federal judge, Christina Rece prescribed a bail hearing, which questioned the government’s legal basis for his long -term custody.Petrova’s lawyer, Gregory Romanovski, accused the government that he is trying to “look like a criminal to justify her” efforts to deport it. ” He also called the smuggling charge “especially suspicious”.Federal prosecutors argue that Petrova deliberately imported undeclared materials. According to the New York Times, text messages revealed that they had no “plans” how to get samples via customs. His previous work at a Russian genetic research center along with government relations has also been noted in the court.The case has expressed concern in academic circles. Harvard University stated that it is “monitoring the situation”, while a group of about 20 students and faculty members traveled to Vermont in solidarity. Harvard researcher Adam Sichla said, “I know him or not, he is abstract.” “He is being misrepresented.”Petrova insisted that if he returned to Russia due to his political views and participation in opposition, he is afraid of arrest. “If I go back, I am afraid that I will be imprisoned,” he was said by AP.While a final decision on his exile is pending, Petrova will get an opportunity to submit his asylum claims.