A Chinese scientist who sparked an ethical discussion five years ago by saying he had created the world’s first genetically modified infants had his research visa to Hong Kong canceled on Tuesday, just hours after announcing his intentions to conduct studies in the financial capital.
Many in the scientific community criticized He Jiankui’s work as immoral when he startled the world in 2018 by announcing he had modified the embryos of twin daughters. In 2019, a court in mainland China found him guilty of unlicensed medical practice and handed down a three-year prison term and a fine of three million yuan (about $445,000).
He made the announcement in Beijing on Tuesday, ten months after his release, claiming he had been granted a Hong Kong visa and was in communication with academic institutions and businesses in the financial capital.
He aims to study gene therapy for uncommon genetic disorders, and would consider working in Hong Kong if the right opportunity presented itself.
In a brief press conference, he declared, “My scientific study will conform with the ethics norms and worldwide consensus on scientific research.”
In a statement released some hours later, the Hong Kong government stated it had canceled He’s visa because of accusations that he had been arrested for engaging in “illegal medical activities.” The statement made no specific reference to He by name.
