Counter-terrorism police are investigating allegations that Sheffield Hallam University halted research into human rights abuses in China after pressure from Beijing. The probe, referred by South Yorkshire Police, falls under Section 3 of the National Security Act, which concerns assisting a foreign intelligence service.
The controversy centres on Professor Laura Murphy, who was ordered in February to cease her study on supply chains and forced labour in China, focusing on the Uyghur Muslim minority. The university later apologised in October and lifted the ban, stating the initial decision was based on an inability to secure professional indemnity insurance.
Six months before the order, the university abandoned a planned report on Uyghur forced labour in the critical minerals supply chain and returned funding to Global Rights Compliance, a Dutch non-profit. The research was eventually published by GRC in June.
China has denied allegations of forced labour, describing Uyghur work programmes as poverty alleviation measures. Sheffield Hallam has reaffirmed its commitment to academic freedom and supporting Professor Murphy's research.
