Cameron Norrie has been accused of agreeing to take part in the Diriyah Tennis Cup, thereby making himself part of the « latest Saudi sportswear extravaganza ».
![](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/11/09/16/SEI132020709.jpg?quality=75&width=982&height=726&auto=webp)
That’s what Amnesty International UK has to say about the UK’s No
1 for next month’s exhibition event in Saudi Arabia.
Norrie was announced on Wednesday as the latest player to sign alongside Russia’s Andrey Rublev, joining Daniel Medvedev, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka and Alexander Zverev .
« I am looking forward to participating in the Diriyah Tennis Cup for the first time in December, » Nouri was quoted as saying by the organizers. « It will be an unforgettable match in a unique location and a great experience to come to Saudi Arabia. »
Felix Jarkins
Head of Amnesty International’s UK First campaign and people at risk, urged the 27-year-old to use his platform to speak out about human rights abuses in the country.
“We never want to tell people like Cameron Norrie where they should or shouldn’t be playing tennis, but by showing up in Diriyah, Cameron should realize that he’s actually being hired for Saudi sportswear’s latest carnival,” Jakens said. .
« With Saudi Arabia currently investing heavily in everything from golf and grand prix to boxing and football, it’s important that top athletes use their popularity to expose human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia.
« Earlier this year
81 people were executed in a single day in Saudi Arabia, and we have recently seen long prison sentences for Twitter users such as Leeds University student Salma al-Shehab, without any responsibility for the shocking murder of Jamal Khashoggi. .
« We hope that any player who agrees to play in Diriyah will reject the passive use of sportswear by speaking out on human rights issues – especially calling for the release of people like Salma al-Shehab.
« What Saudi Arabia seems to be looking for in these games is a smiling high-profile sports star who is eager to avoid talking about human rights.
« Cameron has a huge platform and real leverage
And he should use that platform to speak out in solidarity with people like Salma Shihab who are being brutally persecuted in Saudi Arabia. »
The Diriyah Tennis Cup was held for the first time in 2019
With Andy Murray announcing earlier this year that he had rejected an offer to play in the country.
« Many top players have fallen, » said Norrie’s predecessor
England No 1. « I’m not going to play there. »
The contest will be held December 8-10
Representatives for Norrie have been contacted for comment.
💡 Resources and references
Independent.co.uk, by Cameron Norrie: Amnesty International criticizes UK at number one.