Harvard Researcher Faces Deportation in Smuggling Case

Kseniia Petrova, a Russian-born researcher at Harvard Medical School, was released from U.S. federal custody after nearly four months of detention following her February arrest at Boston Logan International Airport for allegedly failing to declare frog embryos intended for cancer research. She faces a felony smuggling charge, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Petrova's visa has been revoked, raising concerns about possible deportation to Russia, where her anti-war activism could put her at risk. Her case has garnered widespread support from the scientific community, which argues the penalty is disproportionate and praises her contributions to cancer research. A federal judge ordered her release on bail under travel restrictions, and her passport remains in government custody. While still under indictment, Petrova is considering offers from international research institutions amid uncertainty about her immigration status.