China academic intimidation claim referred to counter-terrorism police
Summary
Allegations have emerged that Sheffield Hallam University in the UK faced pressure from China to abandon research on human rights abuses, specifically about forced labor in the Xinjiang region. The case has been referred to counter-terrorism police since it concerns potential assistance to a foreign intelligence service. Documents revealed that university staff were threatened, but the university has since decided to support the continuation of the research.Key Facts
- Sheffield Hallam University faced alleged pressure from China to stop human rights research.
- Research focused on forced labor claims in China's Xinjiang region.
- China reportedly conducted a two-year campaign of intimidation against the university.
- The university's investigation has been passed to counter-terrorism police.
- The legal issue is linked to assisting a foreign intelligence service.
- Sheffield Hallam initially halted Professor Murphy's research but reversed the decision after legal action.
- Internal documents indicated threats to university staff came from individuals linked to China's National Security Service.
- Sheffield Hallam University has now apologized and intends to support Professor Murphy’s research.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.