Scientist who gave the world Covid’s genetic sequence is locked out of his lab by Chinese

Professor who defied government to release his findings ‘treated cruelly ever since’

Professor Zhang Yonghzen's work in 2020 allowed health officials worldwide to test for the virus. Photo: Getty

Sarah Newey
© Telegraph.co.uk

The Chinese scientist who defied Beijing to publish the first coronavirus sequence has staged a sit-in-protest outside his laboratory after authorities suddenly evicted him.

Prof Zhang Yongzhen took to the steps outside the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre over the weekend in a rare sign of public dissent in China.