Court Proceedings
Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard researcher, faced a probable cause hearing in Boston, accused of smuggling frog embryos into the U.S. without declaration. The debate centered on whether the materials she brought qualify as "biological materials" under U.S. law.
During the hearing, Homeland Security Investigations Agent Brian Goldsworthy testified that if Petrova had declared the frog embryos, she would not have been allowed to leave the airport. However, the defense questioned the government's definition of biological material.
Background and Support
Petrova, conducting cancer research, stopped at a French lab specializing in frog embryos while on vacation. She claims she was unaware that the samples needed to be declared upon entering the U.S.
Colleagues praised Petrova's research, highlighting its potential in advancing cancer treatments. A federal judge previously ruled her release, stating the embryos were non-living, non-hazardous, and posed no threat.