"Entire system protecting Brij Bhushan," says Vinesh Phogat on Ex-WFI chief's acquittal

Hours after former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was acquitted by a Delhi court in the sexual harassment case filed by women wrestlers, Vinesh Phogat said that they'll appeal against the decision.

"The female wrestlers have instructed their lawyers to appeal this decision, and this will be done as soon as possible. We have not lost hope, and the wrestlers will continue their fight," said Phogat in a social media post.

Phogat noted that it took the women a lot of courage to speak up against a powerful leader and that they are anguished by the court's decision.

"It took a lot of courage for us to take to the streets and file an FIR against a powerful leader of the ruling party," wrote Phogat.

"Using his power and muscle, Brij Bhushan intimidated many girls into withdrawing their names. However, many female wrestlers stood up and fought against Brijbhushan in court. We are deeply anguished that the court did not find Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh guilty of the sexual assault charges leveled by the female wrestlers," she added.

Phogat also accused the judicial and bureaucratic system of the country of shielding Brij Bhushan.

"From the very beginning, the entire system, the government, and the entire system have been working to protect Brij Bhushan," she wrote.