A Chinese scientist, He Jiankui, who created the first ever “gene-edited” babies has been sentenced to 3 years in jail.
He Jiankui is an associate professor at Southern University of Science and Technology based in Shenzhen. He first attracted global attention and outrage 2018 when he told the world that he had used a used gene-editing technology also called Crispr-Cas9 to transform the genes of twin girls with the intention of protecting them from being infected with the AIDS virus later in life.
Following his announcement at an academic conference, he has been held under house arrest at a university guesthouse. After he made the announcement on gene editing, he attracted media attention all over the globe.
The Chinese scientist was suspended from his job as an associate professor following these gene-editing activities. The courts ruled that the act was “extremely abominable in nature.”
He Jiankui is reported to have conducted the gene-editing procedure on seven embryos in 2018. The court found him guilty of unlawful practice and as a result he was slapped a fine of USD$430,000.
Xinhua, the Chinese State news agency, reported that Zhang Renli who worked closely with He Jiankui was also sentenced for two years in jail. He was also fined 1 million yuan. Another co-worker by the name Jinzhou received an 18-month sentence, but with a 2-year reprieve and as well as a 500,000 yuan fine.
“The three accused did not have the proper certification to practise medicine, and in seeking fame and wealth, deliberately violated national regulations in scientific research and medical treatment. They’ve crossed the bottom line of ethics in scientific research and medical ethics,” said the court.
During the court proceedings, a 3rd baby was born as part of the project by a different mother. MIT Technology Review journal later published an article which stated that he may not have succeed in producing the gene which makes subjects resistant to HIV AIDs.
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