Mon 15 November 2021:
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has demanded a “full, fair, and transparent investigation” following sexual assault charges leveled against a former Chinese vice premier by player Peng Shuai.
The WTA also called for an end to the censorship of the former world number one doubles player in a statement released on Monday.
Peng, one of China’s most famous athletes, claimed on November 2 on her Weibo social media account that Zhang Gaoli coerced her into sex, and the two later had an on-again, off-again consensual relationship.
Peng stated that she was unable to produce any evidence to support her claims. About half an hour after it was published, the post was removed.
The internet in China is heavily censored, and the personal lives of prominent officials are a particularly sensitive topic. Zhang, aged 75, was a vice premier from 2013 to 2018 and a member of China’s top decision-making body, the Politburo Standing Committee, from 2012 to 2017.
Peng has not been seen since the post, causing concern within the international tennis world.
“The recent events in China concerning a WTA player, Peng Shuai, are of deep concern. As an organization dedicated to women, we remain committed to the principles we were founded on – equality, opportunity and respect.
Peng Shuai, and all women, deserve to be heard, not censored. Her accusation about the conduct of a former Chinese leader involving a sexual assault must be treated with the utmost seriousness. In all societies, the behavior she alleges that took place needs to be investigated, not condoned or ignored. We commend Peng Shuai for her remarkable courage and strength in coming forward. Women around the world are finding their voices so injustices can be corrected.
We expect this issue to be handled properly, meaning the allegations must be investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship.
Our absolute and unwavering priority is the health and safety of our players. We are speaking out so justice can be done.”
The WTA said in a statement that it will seek a “full, fair and transparent investigation into sexual assault allegations” against the former Chinese leader.
WTA Tour Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said, The recent events in China concerning a WTA player, Peng Shuai, are of deep concern. As an organization dedicated to women, we remain committed to the principles we were founded on – equality, opportunity and respect.
Peng Shuai, and all women, deserve to be heard, not censored. Her accusation about the conduct of a former Chinese leader involving a sexual assault must be treated with the utmost seriousness. In all societies, the behavior she alleges that took place needs to be investigated, not condoned or ignored. We commend Peng Shuai for her remarkable courage and strength in coming forward. Women around the world are finding their voices so injustices can be corrected.
We expect this issue to be handled properly, meaning the allegations must be investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship.
Our absolute and unwavering priority is the health and safety of our players. We are speaking out so justice can be done.”
Peng was the world number one doubles player in 2014, the first Chinese player to achieve a top ranking after winning the doubles titles at Wimbledon in 2013 and the French Open in 2014.
(with agencies)
_____________________________________________________________________________
FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:
TWITTER (CLICK HERE)
https://twitter.com/IpIndependent
FACEBOOK (CLICK HERE)
https://web.facebook.com/ipindependent
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
