Just days after tweeting about his newest Turkish arrest warrant, Enes Kanter is under scrutiny again overseas. This time in China, where his Celtics are now banned from TV. China banned the Celtics games after Kanter released a Facebook video where he spoke against the Chinese government. Particularly China’s rule over Tibet, a disputed territory in Eastern China.
Kanter had many words for the government and even called China’s rule a “genocide” in his video.
“Even flying the Tibetan national flag could get you arrested. I say shame on the Chinese government. The Chinese dictatorship is erasing Tibetan identity and culture. The cultural genocide is so stifling that more than 150 Tibetan people have burned themselves alive hoping that such a horriffic act of sacrifice will raise awareness.”
Enes Kanter
The Celtics’ center didn’t stop there as he continued bashing the Chinese government.
“Tibet belongs to the Tibetan people and I hope and believe Tibet will achieve independence. Brutal dicator of China, Xi Jinping, I have a message for you and your henchmen. I will say it again, again, and again loud and clear. Free Tibet, free Tibet, free Tibet.”
Enes Kanter
Kanter has a long history of speaking against human rights violations. His long battle against Turkey’s government started way back in 2017 when he first criticized the Turkish government.
However, it seems Kanter has yet another newfound political battle against the Chinese. Despite his ongoing clashes with foreign governments, the NBA supports Kanter and hasn’t taken action against the player.
This comes as a relief as the league has invested millions into the Chinese market. A similar incident occurred in 2019 when Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted in support of Hong Kong. This led to many partnership deals folding along with a massive debate over the controversial tweet.
While his social justice online remains a big part of his life, Kanter hopes to feature in the NBA once again, as he failed to register a minute in Boston’s season-opening thriller against the Knicks.
