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Counter-terrorism police are now involved in an investigation concerning allegations that Sheffield Hallam University was pressured by China to halt human rights research. The BBC and the Guardian have reported that documents reveal a two-year campaign of intimidation by China, which included demands to cease sensitive research by a professor investigating forced labor in Xinjiang, China. South Yorkshire Police confirmed the investigation has been referred to them because the allegations fall under Section 3 of the National Security Act, which deals with assisting a foreign intelligence service.
According to the National Security Act, an offense occurs if someone behaves in a way that intends to materially assist a foreign intelligence service with UK-related activities. Internal documents from Sheffield Hallam University were released under a Subject Access Request to Professor Laura Murphy, whose research was allegedly targeted. University staff in China reportedly received threats from individuals identified as being from China’s National Security Service, demanding the cessation of Prof Murphy’s research in Sheffield. The decision not to publish the final phase of the research on forced labor in China was communicated to the National Security Service, resulting in improved relations and the removal of threats to staff wellbeing.
Notably, it is uncertain which organization the individuals from China’s National Security Service belong to, as there is no known entity by that name in China. Earlier this year, Prof Murphy was initially informed by the university that she could not continue her work on China, prompting legal action for infringement of academic freedom. However, the university later reversed its decision after issuing an apology to Prof Murphy. The university cited a suspension of insurance for social sciences staff due to a defamation lawsuit brought against Sheffield Hallam by a Chinese company mentioned in Prof Murphy’s report.
The university spokesperson emphasized that the decision to halt Prof Murphy’s research was not influenced by commercial interests in China, as China is not a significant international student market for the institution. Following a review, the university has approved Prof Murphy’s latest research and expressed commitment to supporting her work and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom within the legal framework. The apology to Prof Murphy reaffirms the university’s dedication to her research and the principles of academic freedom
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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