Chinese Scientist's Protest After Eviction
Chinese scientist Prof Zhang Yongzhen, who defied Beijing to publish the first coronavirus sequence, staged a sit-in protest outside his lab after being evicted. He has faced setbacks and pressure since releasing the sequence in January 2020, which kick-started global efforts to combat the virus.
Key Points
- Prof Zhang's bravery in releasing the virus sequence was crucial for vaccine development
- The Chinese government's control over pandemic-related information hinders scientific progress and international collaboration
Pros
- Prof Zhang's release of the coronavirus sequence allowed for global testing and vaccine development
- His protest highlights the importance of scientific transparency and freedom
Cons
- Prof Zhang has faced demotions, scrutiny, and attempts to ostracize him from the scientific community
- Chinese government denies the pandemic's origins within its borders and has cracked down on coronavirus research