Enes Freedom on china and basketball France 24

Masooma Zia5min

Speaker 1

00:00

Wouldn't want to paper and sign in this multimillion dollar with this companies and do some little research and educate yourself about it right now, there are so many, you know biologists are happening in in a you know area called Xinjiang in the in China, but I think you know, obviously, I whenever I sit down with an athlete, they always say you know, there are a lot of money involved out of business involved and endorsement deals are involved. And there are so many shoe sales in Jersey sales in China but I'm keep telling these people every time you put that shoes on your feet, and you put that T shirt on your back or you there's so much you know, blood and sweat and oppression on those items. So, always say I'm always saying be careful.

Speaker 2

00:54

Right? I mean to to change a little bit. Well, the people you're calling on recently call on Elon Musk, who's obviously the billionaire entrepreneur for seemingly opening a Tesla showroom, especially in Jinjiang and you could say that Elon Musk knows exactly what he's doing.

Speaker 1

01:17

I mean, you know, we actually just, there's a bill just passed in by the administration. And if you are a company, and you have to show that your company has nothing to do with slave labor, you know, there is a bill just passed out about 10 days ago. And unfortunately, just off right after that, you know, Elon Musk opened up a showroom in Xinjiang recently, and I couldn't believe it and there's no way that Elon or his company doesn't know what's going on over there. But I feel like you know, China uses money to buy a silence and they just bought Elon.

Speaker 2

02:01

Do you advocate I mean, we've seen a movement towards by cutting the Olympic games to be held in China in just a couple of weeks. But it's been a diplomatic boycott US, UK Australia have said they would not send officials there, however, their athletes will compete. Are you disappointed? Are you calling really for a full boycott? And what about the corporate sponsors? Especially the Western ones that are obviously working for the Olympic Games?

Speaker 1

02:36

Um, you know, first of all, obviously, US started it then UK, Canada and many other countries, I will surely meet other countries following that, that road. You know, I believe, you know, diplomatic bytecode is good, but it's not enough. You know, and I believe you know, there has to be another you know, some actions need that needs to be taken. But I believe, you know, the athlete needs to come out there and said, Enough is enough, and we need to bring our voice into this conversation because they are going to be the one that's going to make real change. You know, I you know, I understand people's perspective. They keep asking me, you know, do you think it's fair that all these athletes are working their whole life to get to this point. And now you tell them to, not to go but you know, all this app is out there. I'm calling them out and saying all the gold miners in the world that you can when it is not more important than your morals, your principles and your values. I believe we have to send a photo writing. And the other thing is if you're an athlete, right, there are so many young generation out there kids that are watching you and idolizing you and following your footsteps. So I feel that we have to be a good example for those little kids out there. And the companies I understand that are so much you know, money involved and it's the Olympics. But while we are talking right now, there is a genocide happening. So I feel like we have to take a stronger stance,

Speaker 2

04:13

right? I mean, let's say some athletes are going are you telling them maybe while you're there, if possible, even if it's risky, they should say something the same way you have on your sneakers, sometimes some slogans to at least show that they care.

Speaker 1

04:31

There's actually a double being that will be a really good idea. But the other thing is, you know, look what China did to their own tennis player. Sanctuary, right? And I've kept telling this athletes are really, really going to feel comfortable for sending our athletes to those to a country like China. So I believe we have to be really really careful.

Speaker 2

04:58

I want to turn to your native country, Turkey. You Your passport was revoked several years ago, you were charged with belonging to a terrorist group, because of your ties to the Tula Gulen is in exile in the US and that the Erdogan regime accuses of being behind the 2016 coup. What is your take on the situation about human rights in Turkey right

Speaker 1

05:28

now? First of all, once again, Mr. Gulen, you know, that night actually denials of who I was when I was with him, and I so what Mr. Gulen did with my own eyes. He sat on his chair and pray for his country, him or any of his followers or students did not be involved in a good quarter and so President Erdogan is lying.

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