WTA President Steve Simon said in a statement on Saturday that Peng Shuai’s videos published by Chinese media were “not enough” to prove the champion’s health and safety. After weeks without news from the Chinese tennis champion, who accused a top Chinese leader of forced sex, videos and photos showing Peng Shuai smiling at a restaurant were released by the editor of the Global Times, media close. of Chinese power.
I acquired two video clips, which show Peng Shuai was having dinner with her coach and friends in a restaurant. The video content clearly shows they are shot on Saturday Beijing time. pic.twitter.com/HxuwB5TfBk
– Hu Xijin 胡锡 进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 20, 2021
“I was very clear on what must happen”
WTA President Steve Simon has been very firm since Peng Shuai’s disappearance, calling for a “transparent and fair” investigation into the 30-something’s allegations. He reiterated this request in a statement on Saturday. “As I stated from the start, I am concerned about Peng Shuai’s health and safety, but also that his sexual assault charges are censored and hidden under the carpet,” he said.
If it is “positive” to see the athlete, “the video alone is not sufficient” to show that she is “free in her decisions and actions”, he added. The message accusing former Chinese top leader Zhang Gaoli of forced sex, posted on the Weibo social network on November 2, was quickly deleted by Chinese authorities. “I have been very clear on what must happen, and our relationship with China is at a crossroads,” hammered again Steve Simon, who threatened to withdraw the interests of the WTA in China if nothing happened. made.