DJOKOVIC WINS APPEAL BUT MAY STILL BE DEPORTED.
World tennis number one Novak Djokovic was released from Australian immigration detention on Monday after winning a court challenge to remain in the country, but the government said it was still considering another move to deport him.
The court ruled the federal government’s decision last week to revoke Djokovic’s visa “unreasonable” amid a row over his medical exemption from Covid-19 vaccination requirements and ordered his release.
Djokovic arrived in Australia last week in pursuit of a record 21st Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open but was refused entry into the country. He spent his days since last Thursday on immigration detention in Melbourne after his visa was cancelled.
Djokovic claimed that he had been given medical exemption from vaccination against Covid-19 because he had contracted the illness last month.
Supporters of the tennis star created chaotic scenes by gathering outside his lawyers’ office chanting “Free Novak!”. Police at one stage used pepper spray as they tried to clear a path.
A spokesman for Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said he was considering using his personal power to again revoke Djokovic’s visa. “The minister is currently considering the matter and the process remains ongoing,” the spokesman said.
The controversy has been closely followed around the world, creating diplomatic tensions between Belgrade and Canberra and sparking heated debate over national vaccination rules.
Serbia’s parliamentary speaker, Ivica Dacic, said he was concerned Hawke could still deport Djokovic, a move that would bar the 34-year-old from the country for 3 years.
MELBOURNE, JAN 10