A federal judge has ordered the release of Kseniia Petrova, a 31-year-old Harvard Medical School scientist from Russia, who had been detained since February for allegedly bringing biological specimens into the United States without proper declaration.
Petrova was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport on February 16 for failing to declare frog embryos she was carrying in her luggage.
Her situation escalated recently when federal prosecutors filed felony smuggling charges against her, signaling a serious legal battle ahead that includes the threat of deportation back to Russia.
During a hearing in US District Court in Burlington on Wednesday, Chief Judge Christina Reiss ruled that there was “clear and convincing evidence” demonstrating that Petrova did not pose a security threat or a flight risk, allowing for her release from immigration custody.
However, the court’s decision does not resolve the criminal charges against her, as Petrova remains under the custody of U.S. Marshals and is being transferred to Massachusetts to face these proceedings.
In her statement, Judge Reiss indicated that the circumstances surrounding Petrova’s case were extraordinary, mentioning the lack of a factual or legal basis for her detention by immigration officers.
Despite this ruling being a significant victory for Petrova, her battle is far from over.
Federal prosecutors continue to pursue her deportation, raising concerns that she could be detained again by immigration authorities even if released on bail.
On Wednesday, the judge denied a request from Petrova’s attorneys for a court order preventing her from being re-detained upon potential release.
Furthermore, the judge upheld the revocation of her visa, stating that it was beyond her authority to address that issue.
Speculation within the scientific community suggests that Petrova’s connection to Harvard, a prominent target of the Trump administration’s critiques of higher education, plays a role in the government’s actions against her.
Petrova’s attorney has asserted that the frog embryos were harmless and that her failure to declare them should be treated as a minor infraction punishable by a fine.
Nevertheless, US Customs and Border Protection took immediate action by canceling her visa and initiating deportation proceedings.
If convicted of the smuggling charge, Petrova could face up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $250,000.
Adding to the distress of her situation is Petrova’s fear of persecution should she be forced to return to Russia, where she has previously faced arrest for her anti-war protests against the invasion of Ukraine.
According to a report from the New York Times, Petrova participated in protests in Moscow following the onset of the invasion on February 24, 2022.
She was detained shortly thereafter, charged with an administrative offense, fined, and released.
Petrova’s legal team has expressed concerns over the possibility of her unlawful removal to Russia if re-detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing a concerning pattern of noncompliance with federal immigration laws.
The urgency of her situation is underscored by her status as a scientist engaged in critical research on aging, a field she dedicated her expertise to after graduating from a prominent Russian technology institute.
The research team at Harvard, which includes Petrova, is focused on studying cell rejuvenation to understand how to extend human lifespan.
In addition to her work on aging, Petrova’s laboratory team utilizes advanced imaging techniques to analyze lipids, providing insights on health issues like cancer and diabetes.
Having recently traveled to France, Petrova was instructed by her laboratory supervisor to bring back the frog embryos for research purposes.
Her attorneys have confirmed that these samples were non-hazardous, noninfectious, and strictly for fundamental research.
During the court proceedings, Marc Kirschner, the laboratory director, described Petrova as a dedicated and skilled scientist eager to learn.
He noted her initial challenges in communication due to limited English proficiency but highlighted her commitment to understanding biology.
“She’s on a mission to learn biology,” he said, showcasing her determination despite language barriers.
With the legal hurdles still ahead, the outcome of this case not only impacts Petrova’s career but also raises broader concerns about the treatment of international researchers and the implications of political climates on academic freedom.
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