Seth Udinski, FISM News
Days after communist China banned Bible software on their mobile phone applications, the nation issued a crackdown on televised sports games, due to comments from a player against the Chinese president.
Boston Celtics big man Enes Kanter posted a video on Twitter before the Celtics game on Wednesday criticizing Chinese president Xi Jingping. Kanter called Xingping a “brutal dictator” and implored him to allow the Tibetan people freedom from Chinese rule.
Dear Brutal Dictator XI JINPING and the Chinese Government
Tibet belongs to the Tibetan people!#FreeTibet pic.twitter.com/To4qWMXK56
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) October 20, 2021
Kanter said,
I say, ‘Shame on the Chinese government.’ The Chinese dictatorship is erasing Tibetan identity and culture…Brutal dictator of China, Xi Jinping, I have a message for you and your henchman. Free Tibet, free Tibet, free Tibet.
He also shared a picture on Twitter of a personalized pair of shoes with the words “Free Tibet” on the side, highlighting some of the hardships facing the Tibetan population:
More than 150 Tibetan people have burned themselves alive!! — hoping that such an act would raise more awareness about Tibet.
I stand with my Tibetan brothers and sisters, and I support their calls for Freedom.#FreeTibet #FreedomShoes pic.twitter.com/MKxfs1l7GA
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) October 20, 2021
Kanter’s words caught the attention of the Chinese media. The communist country banned all Celtics NBA games on television and internet services in the country. Communist officials disregarded Kanter’s comments, claiming the NBA player was merely trying to get attention.
Clearly, Kanter’s words, no matter their intention, did get the attention of the Chinese government.