In a tense courtroom scene, two Chinese nationals faced charges related to the illegal smuggling of hazardous biological materials into the U.S. during a recent hearing. The federal government is pushing for their continued detention, citing serious national security risks.
Yunqing Jian, a researcher, and Chengxuan Han, a student, are embroiled in separate cases that have raised alarms among authorities. Han exhibited visible distress during her brief hearing, reportedly struggling with tears upon discovering that her preliminary hearing would be postponed. Her legal representation confirmed that she would remain in federal custody without objection.
Han is accused of mailing biological materials to the University of Michigan, with a preliminary hearing date now rescheduled to June 30. Jian, alongside her boyfriend Zunyong Liu, is charged with trying to bring a dangerous pathogen known as Fusarium graminearum into the United States. Prosecutors have labeled this pathogen as a potential agroterrorism weapon due to its devastating health effects and economic implications.
U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon emphasized the severity of the allegations, pointing out that the activities of these individuals pose significant national security threats. The smuggling of such a harmful fungus could have disastrous repercussions for agriculture and public health, raising urgent concerns within the community.
Source: www.foxnews.com
