Federal charges against two virologists have sparked public outcry among scientists concerned about NIH researchers being targeted by the Trump administration.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced charges against Vincent Munster, PhD, and Claude Kwe, PhD, alleging the pair had transported undeclared inactivated mpox (or monkeypox) virus on a flight into the U.S. and made false statements to federal law enforcement about doing so.
The criminal complaint outlining these charges alleges non-compliance with NIH policy on the importation of biological materials. "Personal, civil and criminal penalties have been established for willful violation of regulations related to biological transport," the complaint noted of NIH guidance.
The researchers now face a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, the DOJ announced.
Since then, other virologists have expressed concern over the charges, suggesting they're reflective of the targeting of scientists under the Trump administration.
