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Comment by rp1 | Hacker News Reader

Rather than make a blanket statement that people should be skeptical, can you provide a concrete reason why one should be skeptical in this case? I think most people here believe that victims of sexual assault should be able to come forward without fear of retribution. I’m curious what your counter argument is.

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The thing is WTA is claiming to speak at the behest of someone with whom they don't have direct contact. In certain aspects what WTA is doing is crossing boundaries of fair behaviour. Imagine if it was a similar allegation made by an American player, would the WTA would go guns blazing if they didn't have direct communication with the individual.

Where there is a need for circumspection, and for nuance , WTA has jumped into the fray speaking of absolutes.

Has WTA made good faith attempts like despatching its delegates to China and understand first hand the situation?

Frankly if you examine the available details, WTA only has a flimsy argument.

And also imagine what could happen next. It could be very much possible for the Chinese to organise a video call for example with Boris Johnson, in which Peng will castigate WTA for invading her privacy, and not respecting her need to stay away from public gaze, etc..

If so then what will WTA do?

The WTA has made numerous attempts to contact Peng, and notified the government that the WTA would pull out of China unless they could talk to her and be assured of her freedom. If your argument is predicated on the WTA not making an effort to contact Peng, then you’re misinformed and just wrong.

Have they made a determined and good faith attempt to do so? Sending out emails and social media call outs isn't that serious of an effort. Can't WTA afford to send somebody to China and see for themselves? Have they made an attempt at that?

WTA seems to be looking for reasons to burn bridges, rather.

Point is WTA needs to make abundantly clear the steps they have taken of their own accord to address their concerns rather than focusing mostly on casting aspersions.

>Have they made a determined and good faith attempt to do so? Sending out emails and social media call outs isn't that serious of an effort

Her handlers had her do a video call with the IOC president, to placate international demands while only letting her contact someone who has a financial interest in sweeping this under the rug.

The proof-of-life issued by the Chinese government also shows that they're aware of these concerns.

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