China’s PR offensive to assure the world a tennis star who accused a top official of rape is alive and well is not quelling the world’s demands for proof that Peng Shuai is alive.
A social media post from Peng dated Nov. 2 accused former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of forcing her to have sex against her will three years ago, according to Fox News. Since then, Peng has not been seen or heard from, and her social media account is blocked.
The furor over Peng has been such that China has released several videos showing the tennis star. One issued Sunday claimed she was shown at a youth tennis tournament.
In the newly released video, Peng Shuai, a former Wimbledon doubles champion, is shown at the opening ceremony of a teenager tennis match final in Beijing on Sunday morning.
Read more: https://t.co/4ZiUf0DOpF pic.twitter.com/IZgX5LcmRx
— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 21, 2021
However, those advocating for Peng said state-issued videos are not enough.
“I am glad to see the videos released by China state-run media that appear to show Peng Shuai at a restaurant in Beijing. While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear if she is free and able to make decisions and take actions on her own, without coercion or external interference. This video alone is insufficient,” said Women’s Tennis Association Chairman and CEO Steve Simon in a statement.
“As I have stated from the beginning, I remain concerned about Peng Shuai’s health and safety and that the allegation of sexual assault is being censored and swept under the rug. I have been clear about what needs to happen, and our relationship with China is at a crossroads,” he continued.
“What we would say is that it would be important to have proof of her whereabouts and wellbeing, and we would urge that there be an investigation with full transparency into her allegations of sexual assault,” said Liz Throssell, a spokeswoman for the UN Human Rights office, according to CNN.
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