WTA's stance on Peng has made it human rights champion, says former U.S. official

The whereabouts of Peng, a former tennis doubles world primary, grew to become a matter of worldwide concern for practically three weeks after she posted a message on social media alleging {that a} former prime Chinese authorities official had sexually assaulted her. She re-appeared over the weekend in Beijing.

The WTA, the principle organizational physique for girls's tennis internationally, has referred to as for a clear investigation and assurances about Peng's security and well-being, and has threatened to drag out of tournaments in China over the matter.

In 25 years of working in human rights, she had by no means seen any group "actually put something on the line like this for human rights," stated Currie, the former U.S. Representative on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, nominated by then-President Donald Trump.On Sunday, Peng held a video name with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, however the WTA has stated this didn't deal with or alleviate its issues about her wellbeing.The United States, France, Britain and distinguished tennis gamers have all expressed issues over Peng, a former Olympian.It comes as Beijing is making ready to host the Winter Olympics subsequent February. Global rights teams and others have referred to as for a boycott of the Games over China's human rights report."The tennis season goes all year," stated Currie. "As lengthy as gamers proceed to precise concern for her and this continues to be a difficulty with the WTA and so they proceed to lift her case, it will proceed to stay in some type of highlight."It will be an issue at the Olympics and before that the Australian Open, and then Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Every time tennis does something and has an audience she will be there."