IOC president says Peng is free to move in China

The IOC and Bach have been criticized for taking part in video conferences with Peng that could not be independently verified.

IOC President Thomas Bach says Peng Shuai has told Olympic officials she can move freely in Beijing and spend time with family and friends.

Bach's promised dinner with the tennis player is widely anticipated amid global concern for her safety after she accused a former Chinese Communist Party official of sexual assault.

Peng's brief public appearances in the three months since have not assured tennis officials and human rights activists of her well-being.

Also Read: Peng Shuai case shows barriers Chinese women face

The IOC and Bach have been criticized for taking part in video conferences with her that could not be independently verified.

Bach says “we will know better about her physical integrity and about her mental state when we can finally meet in person.”

No details about the dinner during the Beijing Olympics have been given.

The IOC president says if Peng wants an official Chinese investigation into her allegations “we would also support her in this.”

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