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WTA’s stance on Peng has made it a human rights champion, says former US official



The residence of Peng, The former world number one doubles tennis player, became an issue of international concern for nearly three weeks after she posted a message on social media alleging that a former top Chinese government official had attacked her. her sex work. She reappeared over the weekend in Beijing.
NS WTA, The main organizing body of international women’s tennis, has called for a transparent and assured investigation into Peng’s safety and well-being, and has threatened to withdraw from the tournaments. China on this issue.

“If you had told me a week and a half ago that the Women’s Tennis Association would become the most effective and bravest human rights organization in the world, I would have thought you were a banana but here we are. ,” Currie told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.

“WTA is essentially putting over a billion dollars into the life of a single member of the Women’s Tennis Association.”

In her 25 years of working in the field of human rights, she has never seen a group “really put this to the issue for human rights,” said Currie, former U.S. Representative to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. female, nominated at the time said. – President Donald Trump.

On Sunday, Peng held a video call with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, but the WTA said this did not address or alleviate their concerns about her health.

The United States, France, Great Britain and famous tennis players have all expressed concern about Peng, a former track and field athlete.

It comes as Beijing prepares to host the Winter Olympics next February. Global human rights groups and others have called for a boycott of the Olympics because of China’s human rights record.

“The tennis season lasts all year,” says Currie. “As long as players continue to express concern for her and this continues to be an issue with the WTA and they continue to raise her case, it will continue to be in the spotlight.

“That’s going to be a problem at the Olympics and before that the Australian Open, then Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Every time tennis does something and has an audience, she’ll be there.”

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