German Intelligence Findings on COVID-19 Lab Origin Raise Transparency Questions
The German government withholds BND's classified assessment supporting a lab-leak theory, citing foreign relations concerns as international reassessments intensify.
- The BND concluded with 80-95% probability in 2020 that SARS-CoV-2 originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, based on Operation 'Saaremaa' findings.
- The German government decided to classify the BND's findings, citing the need to protect foreign relations, and has refused to answer questions on the matter.
- Recent media revelations have reignited focus on the lab-leak theory, with international intelligence agencies, including the CIA, revising their assessments to favor a laboratory origin.
- Dresden-based scientist Wieland Huttner supports the lab-leak hypothesis, citing genetic evidence suggesting the virus was artificially created.
- No investigations have been initiated by the German government into the leak of classified BND documents, despite public scrutiny and demands for transparency.
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