New York, November 21st : .Steve Simon, Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA), said that although it was encouraging to see Peng Shuai in a Beijing restaurant, China’s state media had not provided enough evidence to determine whether Peng Shuai was in safe condition.After she accused senior officials of sexual assault, a growing group of international tennis players is concerned about the fate of the ex-doubles player from China.
Peng is one of China’s most prominent sporting athletes.She hasn’t been heard from publicly since November 2nd, when she posted a Weibo message in which Peng claimed that Zhang Gaoli, her former vice-premier, coerced and had an affair.
China’s censors took down the post, but it still became viral.Subsequent responses and posts, including keywords like “tennis”, were also blocked.Peng was removed from China’s Internet.
WTA demanded a thorough, fair and transparent investigation into allegations of sexual assault against a former Chinese leader.
WTA chief Steve Simon stated that he was pleased to have seen the video released by China’s state media.
The videos appear to depict Peng Shuai in a Beijing restaurant.It is encouraging to see her but it is not clear if her freedom and ability to take decisions without external coercion is what she has.
This video is not enough.”I have been clear from the start that I am concerned for Peng Shuai’s safety and health.The allegation about sexual assault being made is being suppressed and ignored.Simon stated that he was clear on what needed to be done and that our relationship with China has reached a crossroads.
With the launch of a social media campaign called #WhereisPeng Shai, the tennis community has increased pressure on China to stop the disappearance two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Peng Shai.
Top stars such as Naomi Osaka of Japan, the men’s World No.1 Novak Djokovic and former women’s No.1, posted campaign materials that include text and a photo of the Chinese player to their social media accounts.Jule Georges and Coco Gauff, Simona Halep; Jule Georges and Petra Kvitova.
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