An investigation into allegations that Sheffield Hallam University faced pressure from China to cease human rights research has been referred to counter-terrorism police by South Yorkshire Police. The referral stems from allegations that reportedly fall under Section 3 of the National Security Act. This development follows reports by the BBC and the Guardian, based on internal university documents, detailing alleged intimidation tactics targeting research by Professor Laura Murphy.
Referral to Counter-Terrorism Police
South Yorkshire Police have referred an investigation concerning alleged academic intimidation at Sheffield Hallam University. A force spokesperson stated the investigation was referred because the allegations reportedly fall under Section 3 of the National Security Act.
Section 3 of the Act defines an offence as behaving in a way that "intends that conduct to materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities," or in conduct likely to assist such a service.
Allegations of Foreign Interference
Media reports from the BBC and the Guardian indicate that internal university documents describe a two-year campaign of alleged intimidation and harassment, reportedly from China. This campaign is said to have included demands for the university to halt sensitive research by Professor Laura Murphy concerning claims of forced labor in China's Xinjiang region.
Internal University Documents
Internal documents from Sheffield Hallam University were released to Professor Laura Murphy through a Subject Access Request. These documents reportedly indicate that university staff in China received threats from individuals identified as being from China's National Security Service. These individuals allegedly demanded the cessation of Professor Murphy's research being conducted in Sheffield.
The documents further state that "a decision by the university not to publish a final phase of the research on forced labour in China was communicated to the National Security Service... Immediately relations improved and the threat to staff wellbeing appears to be removed." China is not officially known to have an organization named National Security Service, and the identities of the individuals remain unclear.
Professor Murphy was reportedly informed by the university at the start of the year that she could not continue her work on China. This position was later reversed after she initiated legal action alleging infringement of her academic freedom.
University's Response and Apology
Sheffield Hallam University issued a statement apologising to Professor Murphy. A university spokesperson explained that the initial decision not to continue with Professor Murphy's research was based on "a complex set of circumstances at the time, including being unable to secure the necessary professional indemnity insurance."
The university's insurers had suspended professional indemnity insurance for social sciences staff after a Chinese firm filed a defamation suit against Sheffield Hallam, following its mention in a report produced by Professor Murphy. This lawsuit is ongoing.
The spokesperson added that, following a review, Professor Murphy's latest research has since been approved, and the university is committed to supporting her work. The spokesperson clarified that the decision was not based on commercial interests in China, stating that China is not a significant international student market for the university. The university reiterated its commitment to supporting Professor Murphy's research and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom.