In a video call, Chinese tennis player Peng Shaui says he is safe Women’s Rights News

Peng has been missing from the public since he made allegations of sexual assault against former Chinese Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli on November 2.

Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai had a video call with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and said he was safe and well, the IOC said, after Western governments expressed growing concern for his well-being.

Peng has been in public since Nov. 2 when he denounced sexual assaults on former Chinese Prime Minister Zhang Gaoli. Her videos and photos appeared on Saturday, but the women’s tennis tour, the WTA, was still a concern for her well-being.

Finnish Emma Terho, a COI sports committee member, and Chinese COI Li Lingwei were also present at the 30-minute call-up.

“I was glad to see that Peng Shuai was doing well, that was our main concern. He appeared relaxed. I offered our support and contact her at any time for her convenience, and she was grateful for that, of course, ”Terho said in a note.

Peng disappeared on Chinese social media after Zhang said he was forced to have sex and then they had a consensual relationship.

Zhang was a member of the ruling party’s Standing Committee until 2018.

The French foreign minister has called on the Chinese authorities to offer more reassurance, echoing a statement made by the Women’s Tennis Association, saying the images are “not” evidence.

Current and regular tennis players, including Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams and Billie Jean King, joined the calls in an attempt to confirm she was safe, using the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai on social media.

I am devastated and shocked to hear the news of my partner Peng Shuai. I hope to be safe and find out as soon as possible. This needs to be investigated and we should not remain silent. He sends love to her and her family at this incredibly difficult time. #whereispengshuai pic.twitter.com/GZG3zLTSC6

– Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 18, 2021

Concerns over Peng’s global rights groups and others have called for a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February over China’s human rights record.

The women’s professional tour threatened to take the events out of China unless the safety of the former doubles player was assured.

The discussion of Peng’s accusation has been removed from Chinese websites.

A government spokesman on Friday denied being aware of the call. The ruling party’s internet filters prevent most Chinese people from viewing other social networks abroad and most of the world’s news.