MELBOURNE: An Australian court said on Thursday it dismissed tennis superstar Novak Djokovic’s challenge to his visa cancelation as the minister who revoked it reasonably believed Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, may be a risk to the community.
The Federal Court also rejected the argument there was no evidence that Djokovic had ever urged anyone not to get vaccinated, saying it was open to infer that the public would perceive that he was opposed to vaccinations, since he said he had not been vaccinated.
“An iconic world tennis star may influence people of all ages, young or old, but perhaps especially the young and the impressionable, to emulate him. This is not fanciful; it does not need evidence,” the judges said.
Djokovic’s saga has fueled global debate over the rights of people who opt not to get vaccinated as governments look to protect the community from the coronavirus pandemic.
Djokovic was deported from Australia on Sunday night, just hours after the court dismissed his effort to stay in the country to play at the Australian Open, where he hoped to win a record 21st major title.
That followed an 11-day rollercoaster involving two visa cancelations, two court challenges and five nights in two stints at an immigration detention hotel where asylum seekers are held.
His lawyers had argued the cancelation should be quashed on the grounds that Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision was irrational, he lacked evidence that Djokovic’s presence in Australia may stoke anti-vaccination sentiment, and had failed to consider that deporting Djokovic might inflame anti-vax sentiment.
The Federal Court said while another minister might have decided not to cancel the visa, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke had followed the right steps under the law which allows him to cancel a visa as long as he is satisfied the visa holder “may be a risk to the health or good order of the Australian community.”
“The minister reached that state of satisfaction on grounds that cannot be said to be irrational or illogical or not based on relevant material,” Chief Justice James Allsop and judges Anthony Besanko and David O’Callaghan said in their reasons handed down on Thursday.
The Serbian now risks missing the next tennis Grand Slam event — the French Open — as the country’s Sports Ministry has said there would be no exemption from a new vaccine pass law approved on Sunday.
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Australia court rules minister acted rationally in canceling Novak Djokovic’s visa
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Australia court rules minister acted rationally in canceling Novak Djokovic’s visa
- ‘An iconic world tennis star may influence people of all ages, young or old, but perhaps especially the young and the impressionable, to emulate him’
Morocco says AFCON final incidents will not affect close African ties
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail”
RABAT: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.
Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.
Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.
Hours after the final, social media in both countries were under the spell of tension.
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said in a palace statement.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.
“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.
The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail”
RABAT: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.
Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.
Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.
Hours after the final, social media in both countries were under the spell of tension.
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said in a palace statement.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.
“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.
The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.
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