SYDNEY: High numbers of Chinese students at Australian universities have created an environment of self-censorship with lecturers avoiding criticism of Beijing and Chinese students staying silent in fear of harassment, Human Rights Watch said.
Responding to the report, Universities Australia, a peak body for the sector, said universities are committed to academic freedom, and urged"any student or staff member to go straight to their university if they are being coerced or intimidated". Human Rights Watch interviewed 24 students with"pro-democracy" views attending Australian universities, of whom 11 were from mainland China and 13 from Hong Kong. It also interviewed 22 academics.
A student from Hong Kong filed a report with Australian police after four men in masks and speaking Mandarin appeared outside his house and chased him with sticks after he spoke at a democracy rally. The student slept in his car then moved house after the incident. He is seeking asylum in Australia.
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