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Investigation opens into claims of Chinese pressure on UK university
(MENAFN) Allegations that Sheffield Hallam University faced prolonged pressure from Chinese actors to halt research on human rights abuses in Xinjiang have been referred to counter-terrorism authorities.
Reports indicate that internal documents from the university suggest a two-year campaign of threats and harassment, targeting a professor’s study into forced labor in northwest China. A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the matter was escalated because the claims fall under Section 3 of the UK National Security Act, which addresses conduct that may materially assist a foreign intelligence service.
The documents, released to Professor Laura Murphy under a Subject Access Request, reportedly detail threats directed at university staff in China by individuals identified as linked to China’s so-called National Security Service. The documents stated that after Sheffield Hallam decided not to publish the final phase of Murphy’s research, “relations improved and the threat to staff wellbeing appears to be removed.” However, there is no confirmed Chinese organization by that name, leaving the identity of the individuals unclear.
Earlier this year, Professor Murphy was initially informed that she could not continue her work on China, prompting her to take legal action over the alleged infringement of her academic freedom. The university subsequently reversed its decision and apologised.
A Sheffield Hallam spokesperson said the initial decision to halt her research was based on “a complex set of circumstances at the time, including being unable to secure the necessary professional indemnity insurance.” The suspension of insurance followed a defamation lawsuit brought by a Chinese firm against the university after it was mentioned in Murphy’s report; that case is ongoing.
The university confirmed that Professor Murphy’s latest research has been approved and emphasized its commitment to supporting her work. The spokesperson added: “For the avoidance of doubt, the decision was not based on commercial interests in China… We have apologised to Professor Murphy and wish to make clear our commitment to supporting her research and to securing and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law.”
Reports indicate that internal documents from the university suggest a two-year campaign of threats and harassment, targeting a professor’s study into forced labor in northwest China. A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police confirmed that the matter was escalated because the claims fall under Section 3 of the UK National Security Act, which addresses conduct that may materially assist a foreign intelligence service.
The documents, released to Professor Laura Murphy under a Subject Access Request, reportedly detail threats directed at university staff in China by individuals identified as linked to China’s so-called National Security Service. The documents stated that after Sheffield Hallam decided not to publish the final phase of Murphy’s research, “relations improved and the threat to staff wellbeing appears to be removed.” However, there is no confirmed Chinese organization by that name, leaving the identity of the individuals unclear.
Earlier this year, Professor Murphy was initially informed that she could not continue her work on China, prompting her to take legal action over the alleged infringement of her academic freedom. The university subsequently reversed its decision and apologised.
A Sheffield Hallam spokesperson said the initial decision to halt her research was based on “a complex set of circumstances at the time, including being unable to secure the necessary professional indemnity insurance.” The suspension of insurance followed a defamation lawsuit brought by a Chinese firm against the university after it was mentioned in Murphy’s report; that case is ongoing.
The university confirmed that Professor Murphy’s latest research has been approved and emphasized its commitment to supporting her work. The spokesperson added: “For the avoidance of doubt, the decision was not based on commercial interests in China… We have apologised to Professor Murphy and wish to make clear our commitment to supporting her research and to securing and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law.”
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