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Judges reveal why they stopped Djokovic from participating in the Australian Open

The three judges who unanimously turned down Novak Djokovic’s request to stay in Australia to compete in the country’s open tournament revealed the reasons for the decision.

In a written statement, the judges stated that it is not unreasonable for Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to expel Djokovic due to concerns about the risks the unvaccinated Serbian athlete could pose to public health and order.

The ruling said the minister could infer that Djokovic’s presence would encourage anti-vaccine protests, which could contribute to the spread of Covid-19. They highlighted that the minister’s decision also considered the athlete’s possible influence on people who were undecided about taking the vaccine.

“The possible influence of the second group comes from common sense and human experience: an iconic tennis superstar can influence people of all ages, young or old, but especially the young and impressionable, to emulate him. This is not fanciful; does not need evidence,” the ruling said.

The explanation ends one of the most controversial episodes in the history of the Australian Open.

The world number 1 in men’s tennis was forced to leave the country on the eve of the competition after the court found no illegality in the immigration minister’s decision to cancel his visa.

This was the second time Djokovic’s visa had been canceled – the first came hours after his arrival in Australia on January 5, when Australian Border Force (ABF) officials rejected his alleged exception. of the rule that all travelers must be vaccinated.

Djokovic said a prior Covid infection meant he would be exempt, but under federal rules that is not enough, and he was detained at an immigration facility.

The matter went to court and a judge ruled that the ruling was “irrational” as he did not have enough time to consult with his lawyers. Djokovic was released from detention and resumed training at Melbourne Park in hopes of securing his 21st grand slam prize.

However, days later the government intervened to cancel his visa again, declaring that the unvaccinated player would be a threat to public health and order. The problem was sent to a higher court and three judges met last Sunday (16).

Djokovic’s legal team did not dispute the merits of the minister’s decision, only that he had made a jurisdictional error over the country’s migration law.

On Sunday, the judges ruled there was no mistake and Djokovic agreed to leave Australia.

In a statement, the player said he was “disappointed” with the decision, but respects the court’s decision. That night he left for Serbia, where he received a hero’s welcome.

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said Australia’s treatment of the idol was “scandalous”. Brnabic told CNN on Wednesday (19) that he did not know why Djokovic was not vaccinated, but added that he does not believe he is anti-vaccine.

“He supports the vaccination of people who want to be vaccinated. So I don’t perceive it as an anti-vaccine,” she said.

In a statement shortly after the decision on Sunday, Djokovic’s family blamed politics for the decision.

“This is not just a sporting problem, not being able to play in the first grand slam of the season, dominated by Novak for a decade, but politics and all other interests that took priority over sports,” the family said.

Under Australian law, Djokovic could be banned from the country for three years, although Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews did not issue a statement. “Any candidacy will be reviewed on its own merits,” she said earlier in the week.

On Tuesday, Tennis Australia expressed regret over the visa dispute, saying it distracted players from the tournament.

“We deeply regret the impact this has had on all players,” he said in a statement. “There are always lessons to be learned, and we will review all aspects of our preparation and implementation to inform our planning – as we do every year. This process starts as soon as the Australian Open champions lift their trophies.”

The grand slam ends on January 31.

This content was originally created in English.

original version

Reference: CNN Brasil

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