Chinese students in Australia fear reprisals at home if they speak out, inquiry hears

Human Rights Watch says its research has found there is a very deep fear of being watched, of being reported on'

Chinese students in Australia are afraid to speak out on politically sensitive issues because of potential repercussions for relatives back home, a parliamentary inquiry has been told.

Human Rights Watch has said its ongoing research into academic freedom in Australia had found anxiety and loneliness among Chinese students, with some engaging in self-censorship to avoid a backlash from Beijing.