Lagatar24 Desk
Melbourne, Jan 15: Novak Djokovic was arrested in Australia for the second time on Saturday, after authorities revoked his visa for the second time and declared the unvaccinated tennis star a public health hazard.
According to court documents, the 34-year-old Serbian is being held at a Melbourne location while his deportation appeal is considered. In the latest twist in a high-profile fight regarding his Covid-19 vaccination status, the world number one is once again focusing on legal courts rather than centre court, just two days before the Australian Open begins.
Immigration minister Alex Hawke now claims Djokovic’s continued presence in the country could “foster anti-vaccination sentiment” and even spark an “increase in civil unrest”. Before extraordinary Federal Court sessions on Saturday and Sunday, Djokovic was asked to appear before immigration officials in Melbourne.
Under the supervision of two Australian Border Force agents, he was allowed to watch court proceedings from an address believed to be his lawyers’ offices.
This is Australia’s conservative government’s second attempt to deport Djokovic, one of the world’s most prominent Covid-19 vaccination sceptics. The 34-year-old Serbian entered Australia earlier this month on a medical exemption, expecting to win a record 21st Grand Slam championship at the Open.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government cancelled Djokovic’s visa on arrival after public uproar.
Many Australians feel Djokovic cheated the system to avoid vaccine entrance requirements, as they have been subjected to lengthy lockdowns and border restrictions.
The administration, on the other hand, was embarrassed when a judge renewed Djokovic’s visa and let him to stay in the country. This time, the government has used extraordinary executive powers to declare him a threat to public health and safety, which are tough to overturn.
The government claims that Djokovic’s presence is a threat to public health and order, especially given Australia’s recent Omicron outbreak.
According to a court document issued Saturday, his continued presence in the country “may constitute a health danger to the Australian community” by reinforcing anti-vaccine attitudes and preventing individuals from getting booster shots.
The government “provided no proof” to substantiate its assertions, according to Djokovic’s lawyers.
Djokovic poses a “negligible” risk of infecting Australians, according to the minister, but his previous “disobey” for Covid-19 laws may constitute a risk to public health and inspire people to disregard pandemic rules.
