Novak Djokovic, a 34-year-old Serbian tennis player, was detained again in Australia on Saturday after authorities revoked his visa for the second time and declared him a threat to the public.
What happened and when?
Australia abrogated Novak Djokovic after his arrival on 6th January in Melbourne. He could not produce a noticeable authentication to the Australian Border Force official for derogating to receive the vaccination.
Djokovic might not get to play this year and has been threatened with arrest and even deportation. As returning to Australia after being deported results typically in a three-year ban.
After this, the player’s hopes of winning his 10th Australian Open in 2022 is now looking grim.
Later on, after all the controversies, criticism, and tweets from the Australian PM and Health Minister, Novak declared that he would be playing the tournament and was on his way.
The player believes that getting vaccinated is a personal matter, but still, he held back and stayed in a detention hotel after coming to the country due to public criticism.
Meanwhile, his lawyers and legal team appealed for reconsideration to overturn the court’s decision.
Immigration Minister Statement on Djokovic
Immigration minister Alex Hawke, who was preceding this case, made the statement on friday, “Today I exercised my power under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act to cancel the visa held by Mr. Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.”
According to section 133C(3) of the Migration Act, Djokovic is banned from Australia for three long years unless he indicates compelling circumstances in Australia’s interests.
Novak Djokovic is scheduled to play against Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round on Monday. The defending Australian Open champion hoped to secure a record 21st grand slam title at this year’s tournament but was included in the draw on Thursday. Djokovic’s lawyers called the decision “patently irrational” and will appeal.
Judge Anthony Kelly, who was preceding the case, decided during an emergency late-night court hearing immediately after the immigration minister announced the decision on Friday that Djokovic cannot be deported while the appeal proceedings are ongoing. An appeal hearing is scheduled for Sunday.
The judge also stated that the government could detain Djokovic after meeting with immigration officials in Melbourne on Saturday morning. However, he is allowed to visit his lawyers’ offices in order to prepare for the hearing on Sunday.
(Inputs and Credit from API)
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