Khaberni - Australia announced the cancellation of the visa of an influential Israeli known for his anti-Islam campaigns, indicating that it will not accept visitors coming to spread hatred.
Sami Yehud announced that his visa was cancelled 3 hours before his flight was scheduled to depart from Israel.
He wrote on the X platform, "This is a story of authoritarianism, censorship, and control."
Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke stated in a release seen by AFP on Tuesday, that those wishing to visit Australia must apply for the appropriate visa and come for valid reasons.
He added, "Spreading hatred is not a valid reason to visit."
Australia has tightened its laws related to hate crimes following the mass shooting on December 14th at Bondi Beach during the Jewish Hanukkah celebrations, which resulted in the death of 15 people.
It was reported that Yehud's visa, who also holds British nationality, was cancelled under the same legislation previously used to deny visas of other individuals related to hatred.
The conservative Australian Jewish Association, which had invited the influencer to give a speech, stated that it "strongly condemns" the decision by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government to cancel the visa.
The association criticized the cancellation of visas of other Jewish visitors, including the extreme right-wing Israeli politician Simcha Rothman who was barred from entry last year.
Robert Gregory, the association's CEO, stated in a release, "This latest cancellation confirms the deep concerns within the Jewish community that despite the horrific Bondi massacre and the government’s belated apology, the Albanese government has not changed and has never been sincere."
