An inquiry regarding claims that Sheffield Hallam University experienced ongoing pressure from China to halt human rights studies has been forwarded to counter-terrorism authorities.
Reports from the BBC and the Guardian indicate that documents reveal China conducted a two-year campaign of threats and intimidation, including requests for the university to cease sensitive research by one of its academics on allegations of forced labor in the Xinjiang province of China.
A representative from South Yorkshire Police mentioned that the department has submitted the inquiry to the relevant authorities as the “claims fall under Section 3 of the National Security Act”.
Section 3 of the act pertains to “aiding a foreign intelligence service”.
An offence occurs if an individual acts in a manner that “intends for that conduct to significantly aid a foreign intelligence service in executing UK-related operations,” or engages in conduct likely to support that service.
Confidential papers from Sheffield Hallam University were disclosed under a Subject Access Request to Professor Laura Murphy, whose research is reported to have been targeted.
The documents indicated that university personnel in China were threatened by individuals claimed to be from China’s National Security Service, who insisted that the research conducted by Prof Murphy in Sheffield be terminated.
The documents also mentioned that “a decision by the university not to publish the final phase of the research on forced labor in China was communicated to the National Security Service… Consequently, relations improved and the threat to staff safety seemed to dissipate”.
It is believed that China does not possess an entity known as the National Security Service, leaving the identities of the individuals unclear.
A few months later, at the year’s beginning, Prof Murphy was informed by the university that she could not proceed with her research on China. She initiated legal proceedings for violation of her academic freedom. The university subsequently changed its stance.
Earlier, Sheffield Hallam University issued an apology to Prof Murphy.
A representative stated: “The university’s decision not to pursue Professor Laura Murphy’s research was based on our interpretation of a complicated array of circumstances at that moment, including the inability to secure the required professional indemnity insurance.”
The insurance for social science faculty had been halted by the university’s insurers after a Chinese company filed a defamation lawsuit against Sheffield Hallam due to its mention in a report she authored. That legal dispute is still ongoing.
The university spokesperson further stated: “After a review, we have now approved Professor Murphy’s recent research and are dedicated to assisting her in undertaking and disseminating this crucial work.
“To clarify, the decision was not influenced by commercial interests in China.
“In any case, China does not represent a significant international student market for the university.
“We have expressed our regret to Professor Murphy and wish to emphasize our commitment to supporting her research and to upholding and advancing freedom of expression and academic freedom within legal boundaries.”
