Particle.news
Download on the App Store
13 ARTICLES
·
last yr.

Chinese Scientist Zhang Yongzhen Allowed Back in Lab After Protest

Zhang Yongzhen, who first published the COVID-19 sequence, regains access to his lab following a sit-in protest amidst ongoing challenges and government scrutiny.

Prominent Chinese virologist Zhang Yongzhen pictured sleeping outside his lab at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center in this image shared on social media.
Image
A security guard stands outside a wet market in Wuhan linked to some of the earliest known cases of Covid-19.
Image

Overview

  • Zhang Yongzhen was temporarily locked out of his lab at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center for 'safety reasons' but has now been allowed to return.
  • The scientist staged a sit-in protest after being denied entry, drawing widespread attention and support on social media.
  • Zhang's initial release of the COVID-19 sequence in January 2020 without government permission has led to years of professional setbacks and scrutiny.
  • Despite being offered alternative lab space, Zhang and his team faced issues with the new location not meeting safety standards for their research.
  • Zhang's ordeal highlights ongoing tensions between the Chinese government and scientists over the control of information related to COVID-19.