EU joins calls for ‘independent and verifiable proof’ of Peng Shuai’s whereabouts
- Despite state media efforts to present the tennis star as safe and active, ‘the requests for reliable information are legitimate and remain’, EU spokeswoman says
- Videos and photographs of Peng that appeared over the weekend are widely dismissed as having been provided under duress
The European Union has called for China to provide “independent and verifiable proof” of the “well-being and whereabouts” of tennis star Peng Shuai, as international concern for her grows despite efforts by Chinese state media to present her as safe and active.
“We have seen Peng Shuai’s presumed remarks over the weekend. However, the reports, both about the allegations of abuse and the fact that she has not been seen for two weeks, remain very worrying,” Nabila Massrali, the EU’s spokeswoman on foreign affairs, told the South China Morning Post.
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Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai makes first ‘public appearances’ since sexual assault claims
Peng disappeared from the public eye in early November after a social media post in her name accused a retired top government official of pressuring her into sex.
“We are not in a position to comment on the allegations themselves, but we urge a full and transparent investigation,” Massrali added in comments emailed on Monday.
“The requests for reliable information are legitimate and remain. We call on the Chinese government to provide independent and verifiable proof of her well-being and whereabouts.”
The EU joins the United States in asking for verifiable proof, amid concern that video and photographic footage of Peng Shuai that appeared on Chinese state media over the weekend had been provided under duress.