An investigation regarding allegations that Sheffield Hallam University was pressured by Chinese authorities to halt human rights research has been referred to counter-terrorism police. Reports from the BBC and The Guardian indicate that documents reveal a two-year campaign by China involving intimidation and requests to stop research conducted by Professor Laura Murphy, which focused on forced labor claims in Xinjiang.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police stated that the allegations fall under Section 3 of the National Security Act, which pertains to actions that could assist a foreign intelligence service in conducting activities related to the UK. The law states that an offense occurs if someone’s conduct materially aids such a service.
Internal documents released to Professor Murphy showed that university staff in China were threatened by individuals claiming to be from China’s National Security Service, who pressured the university to cease Murphy’s research. According to the documents, a decision to refrain from publishing a final phase of her research led to improved relations and a perceived reduction in threats to staff.
It is noteworthy that China does not officially have an entity called the National Security Service, raising questions about the identities of the individuals involved. Later, in early 2023, the university informed Professor Murphy that she could not pursue her work on China, prompting her to initiate legal action regarding her academic freedom. However, the university subsequently reversed this decision.
Sheffield Hallam University has expressed regret to Professor Murphy, stating that their prior decision was influenced by a complex situation, including insurance issues. The insurance was suspended following a defamation lawsuit from a Chinese entity tied to a report authored by Murphy. The university clarified that its decisions were not commercially motivated, asserting that it is not reliant on the Chinese student market, and reiterated its commitment to supporting Murphy’s research and upholding academic freedom.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0e1lyyvdlo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss