Tennis player Peng Shuai is “definitely not safe” despite video calls with the International Olympic Committee, according to a Chinese dissident.
Peng accused former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault on social media last month, in a post that was deleted almost immediately.
She has not been seen in public since then, however she has participated in two video calls with the IOC.
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A host of tennis stars have publicly called for confirmation that she is safe, while questions are being asked over the fitness of Beijing to host the Winter Olympics in 2022.
In an extensive interview with CNN, human rights lawyer Teng Biao said the situation is totally unacceptable.
“Of course, Peng Shuai is not safe,” he said.
“What we know is she’s still alive and she’s still in China. But she is definitely not safe, not well and she’s totally controlled by the Chinese authorities.
“And nobody knows where she is being detained. And so the athletes, if they go to China, nobody can guarantee their safety.
The WTA Tour has already announced it will suspend all tournaments in China, in a move worth well over $1 billion. The ATP is yet to follow suit, in amove that has puzzled many in the tennis world.
Teng was detained in China in 2008, and now lives in exile in the United States.
The US and Australia have already announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, but Teng urged countries to go one step further.
“The world should prioritise moral principle and freedom over money and benefit,” he said.
“It’s possible that the athletes are not safe if they protest against Beijing, or if they say something critical of the Chinese government.”
WTA boss Steve Simon said in a statement last week that he wanted the matter dealth with in a “full, fair and transparent manner.”
“While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts that she is free, safe and not subject to censorship, coercion and intimidation,” he said.
“None of this is acceptable nor can it become acceptable.
“As a result, and with the full support of the WTA Board of Directors, I am announcing the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong.
“In good conscience, I don’t see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault.”
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