Novak Djokovic Returns To Detention As He Fights Australian Deportation
The World’s top-ranked tennis player, Novak Djokovic has returned to detention in Australia after Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government revoked his visa for a second time amid public outcry over violations of COVID rules.
Authorities declared the unvaccinated tennis superstar a threat to the public.
Djokovic had surrendered to officials in Melbourne for an interview at about 8 am local time on Saturday (21:00 GMT on Friday), following a court order issued on Friday night.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers accompanied the 34-year-old player to his lawyer’s offices for the online hearing in the Federal Court at 10:15 am local time on Saturday (23:15 GMT on Friday).
His case now moves to an appeals court and a hearing is scheduled for Sunday.
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Just two days before the Australian Open begins, the world number one is again fighting detention and deportation – the latest twist in a high-profile row over his COVID-19 vaccine status.
This is the second attempt by Australia’s government to deport Djokovic, one of the world’s most high-profile COVID-19 vaccine sceptics.
The 34-year-old Serbian had used a medical exemption to enter Australia earlier this month, hoping to challenge for a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Open.
Amid public outcry, Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government had revoked Djokovic’s visa on arrival but a judge reinstated Djokovic’s visa and allowed him to remain in the country.
This time, the government has invoked exceptional – and difficult to challenge – executive powers to declare him a threat to public health and safety.
Government lawyers are expected to argue that Djokovic’s presence stirs anti-vaccine sentiment in Australia amid a tidal wave of Omicron infections.
More: AlJazeera
