Surviving life-threatening intimidation as a researcher

Challenging the findings of an academic study is a common practice in the university setting. In most cases, the criticism is confined to academic debates, occasionally conducted through media channels. In some cases however, challenges to academic analyses can take on another form altogether, one that can translate into pressures on a researcher’s private life, and even direct intimidation. When criticism begins to undermine a researcher’s dignity or life, then what we are looking at is the violation of human rights and the restriction of free and critical thought.