Sheffield Hallam University staff in China were allegedly threatened by individuals described as being from China's National Security Service who demanded research into alleged human rights abuses be halted, according to documents obtained by the BBC.

Guardian

BBC News

Sheffield Hallam University staff in China were allegedly threatened by individuals described as being from China's National Security Service who demanded research into alleged human rights abuses be halted, according to documents obtained by the BBC.

Professor Laura Murphy's research has focused on allegations that Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang are subject to forced labor, an allegation that China has consistently denied.

China Daily

Professor Laura Murphy's research has focused on allegations that Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang are subject to forced labor, an allegation that China has consistently denied.

The university's websites were reportedly blocked in China starting in August 2022, preventing Chinese students from accessing enrollment information and impacting recruitment, while China's foreign ministry criticized the Helena Kennedy Centre.

The university's websites were reportedly blocked in China starting in August 2022, preventing Chinese students from accessing enrollment information and impacting recruitment, while China's foreign ministry criticized the Helena Kennedy Centre.

Sheffield Hallam decided not to publish Murphy's final research in late 2024 and told her she could not continue China-related work, citing insurance issues and staff safety concerns after alleged pressure from Chinese authorities.

Sheffield Hallam decided not to publish Murphy's final research in late 2024 and told her she could not continue China-related work, citing insurance issues and staff safety concerns after alleged pressure from Chinese authorities.

The university earned £3.8 million ($5.0 million) from China and Hong Kong in 2021/22 but enrolled only 73 Chinese students in 2024/25, representing 1.7% of its international student population according to internal documents.

The university earned £3.8 million ($5.0 million) from China and Hong Kong in 2021/22 but enrolled only 73 Chinese students in 2024/25, representing 1.7% of its international student population according to internal documents.

Sheffield Hallam apologized to Murphy in October and said she could resume her work after she initiated legal action.

China Threatens UK University Over Uyghur Research

China Threatens UK University Over Uyghur Research

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China Threatens UK University Over Uyghur Research

China Threatens UK University Over Uyghur Research

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