Sheffield Hallam University Under Scrutiny After Allegations of Chinese Intimidation

An investigation into allegations that Sheffield Hallam University faced sustained pressure from China to shut down human rights research has been referred to counter-terrorism police.

The BBC and the Guardian newspaper reported that documents revealed China waged a two-year campaign of intimidation and harassment, demanding the university stop sensitive research by Professor Laura Murphy into claims of forced labor in the Xinjiang region of China.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police indicated that the investigation was referred due to the allegations falling under Section 3 of the National Security Act, which addresses assistance to foreign intelligence services.

An offense occurs if someone acts in a manner intended to materially assist a foreign intelligence service in UK-related activities, or in ways likely to support that service.

Internal documents from Sheffield Hallam University, released under a Subject Access Request to Professor Murphy, indicated that university staff in China faced threats from individuals claiming to be affiliated with China's National Security Service, demanding the cessation of her research.

According to the documents, a decision not to publish a final phase of the research was communicated to the National Security Service, resulting in improved relations and reduced threats to staff.

Later this year, Professor Murphy was informed that she could not continue her work on China, prompting her to initiate legal action for infringement of her academic freedom. The university subsequently reversed its decision.

Sheffield Hallam University has since apologized to Professor Murphy, stating that their previous decision was based on a complex situation, including the unavailability of necessary professional indemnity insurance due to a defamation lawsuit brought against the university by a Chinese firm, which is still ongoing.

Following a review, the university affirmed its support for Professor Murphy's latest research, emphasizing their commitment to academic freedom and free speech within the bounds of the law.