Russian Researcher Released on Bail Amid Controversy Over Frog Embryo Charges

Russian scientist Ksenia Petrova, who conducts research at Harvard Medical School, has been released on bail after spending time in U.S. federal custody. She was detained for allegedly not declaring scientific samples when entering the United States, as reported by The New York Times on Thursday.

The 31-year-old Petrova was charged last month with attempting to illegally import frog embryos and embryonic samples. This charge, often applied in cases involving the illicit transport of exotic or endangered species, carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison or a $250,000 fine.

The incident occurred on February 16 at Boston Logan International Airport, where customs agents detained Petrova upon her return from France. Following the discovery that she had failed to appropriately declare the samples, her research visa was revoked, and she was moved among several immigration detention facilities.

Her attorney, Gregory Romanovsky, expressed concerns in a letter to The Moscow Times last month, labeling the charge as «outrageous and legally indefensible.» He argued that the non-living frog embryos do not fall under the category of restricted biological materials according to U.S. customs regulations, therefore not requiring a permit.

On Thursday, a magistrate judge in Boston granted bail, allowing Petrova to return to her residence ahead of her upcoming court date scheduled for next week.

Romanovsky informed The New York Times that Petrova is currently unable to work due to her visa situation. U.S. authorities have started deportation proceedings against her, and she has not yet made a decision regarding her future in the country.

«She has received offers from various countries around the globe that are keen to support her research,» Romanovsky stated. «She is considering her options and is very thankful to be out.»

Petrova has expressed fears of being arrested or facing worse consequences if she is deported back to Russia, citing her political activism as a concern. She reportedly faced arrest in Russia in 2022 for protesting against the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.