国际女子网球协会(WTA)11月2日宣布立即暂停所有在中国(包括香港)举办的赛事。
协会主席Steve Simon在声明中说:“ 尽管我们知道彭帅目前在哪里,但我怀疑她是自由、安全和没有受到言论检查、胁迫和威胁。 国际女子网球协会很明确此事需要做的是什么,我们重复我们的呼吁——对彭帅提出的性侵指控进行充分和透明的调查——没有言论审查——。”
他还在声明中说:“这是不可接受的,也不可以变成可以接受的。如果有权力的人可以压制女性的声音,可以将关于性侵的指控包藏起来,那么国际女子网球协会创建的基石——维护女性平等权益——将遭受巨大挫折。我将不会也不能让这样的事发生在国际女子网球协会和它的球员身上。”
中国《环球时报》的社论则指责国际女子网球协会将体育政治化。
相关链接:
Steve Simon announces WTA’s decision to suspend tournaments in China
国际女子网球协会敦促就彭帅针对前中国领导人的性侵指控进行调查,并终止对她的言论审查
附:国际女子网球协会(WTA)主席Steve Simon 的声明:
Statement by Steve Simon, WTA Chairman & CEO
“When on November 2, 2021, Peng Shuai posted an allegation of sexual assault against a top Chinese government official, the Women’s Tennis Association recognized that Peng Shuai’s message had to be listened to and taken seriously. The players of the WTA, not to mention women around the world, deserve nothing less.
From that moment forward, Peng Shuai demonstrated the importance of speaking out, particularly when it comes to sexual assault, and especially when powerful people are involved. As Peng said in her post, “Even if it is like an egg hitting a rock, or if I am like a moth drawn to the flame, inviting self-destruction, I will tell the truth about you." She knew the dangers she would face, yet she went public anyway. I admire her strength and courage.
Since then, Peng’s message has been removed from the internet and discussion of this serious issue has been censored in China. Chinese officials have been provided the opportunity to cease this censorship, verifiably prove that Peng is free and able to speak without interference or intimidation, and investigate the allegation of sexual assault in a full, fair and transparent manner. Unfortunately, the leadership in China has not addressed this very serious issue in any credible way. While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts that she is free, safe and not subject to censorship, coercion and intimidation. The WTA has been clear on what is needed here, and we repeat our call for a full and transparent investigation – without censorship – into Peng Shuai’s sexual assault accusation.
None of this is acceptable nor can it become acceptable. If powerful people can suppress the voices of women and sweep allegations of sexual assault under the rug, then the basis on which the WTA was founded – equality for women – would suffer an immense setback. I will not and cannot let that happen to the WTA and its players.
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. Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2022.
I have been gratified by the massive amount of international support the WTA has received for its position on this matter. To further protect Peng and many other women throughout the world, it is more urgent than ever for people to speak out. The WTA will do everything possible to protect its players. As we do so, I hope leaders around the world will continue to speak out so justice can be done for Peng, and all women, no matter the financial ramifications." |