Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic on Sunday awaits a ruling on his final appeal against deportation from Australia for his stance on vaccinations, with the judges’ decision expected in within a few hours. After four hours of intense legal wrangling over the Serbian ace’s anti-vaccination stance and his alleged risk to public order in Australia, the emergency online hearing has been put on hold. Djokovic is fighting to win release from immigration detention, have his visa reinstated and be allowed to stay in the country to defend his title at the Australian Open, which begins on Monday. .
“We hope to be able to ascertain to the parties later in the afternoon the course we propose,” said Chief Justice James Allsop.
Djokovic’s senior legal team considers Australia’s attempt to deport the 34-year-old “unjustified” and “unreasonable”, but has at times faced harsh questions from a panel of three. the judge, who will now decide the case.
His lawyer Nick Wood has systematically sought to dismiss the government’s central argument that Djokovic’s anti-vaccination views are a public threat and could cause “popular unrest”. the” unless he is deported.
Despite the fact that the Serbian star has not been vaccinated, Wood insists he does not attract the support of anti-vaxxers and is not associated with the movement.
The government “doesn’t know what Djokovic’s current position is,” insisted Wood.
Djokovic is the top seed of the Australian Open. If he retains this title, he will become the first male player in history to win 21 Grand Slams.
But he spent much of last week in immigration detention, with his visa twice revoked by the government for refusing to get a Covid-19 vaccine prior to arrival – a requirement for most. all visitors.
Government lawyer Stephen Lloyd said Djokovic’s failure to get vaccinated two years after the pandemic and repeated disregard for safety measures – including not being isolated while Covid-19 was positive – was equal to enough evidence for his anti-vaccination views.
“He has now become an icon for anti-vaccination groups,” said Lloyd. “Rightly or wrongly, he is seen as espousing anti-vaccination views and his presence here is seen as contributing to that.”
In a written submission, the government also indicated that Djokovic chose not to give evidence at the hearing.
“He could have set the record straight away if it needed fixing. He didn’t – that had significant consequences.”
‘We stand by you’
Due to the format of the court, the judges’ decisions will be extremely difficult to appeal by either party.
If the Serbian star loses, he will face immediate expulsion and a three-year ban from Australia – significantly extending his nine-time winning streak.
If he wins, he can be released within 30 minutes.
That would set the stage for a bold title change and deal another humiliating blow to Australia’s embattled prime minister ahead of elections scheduled for May.
Scott Morrison’s government has tried to get rid of Djokovic once before but has been unsuccessful – citing that he has not been vaccinated and that his recent Covid infection has not been enough to warrant a medical exemption.
A lower court judge ruled that officials at Melbourne Airport made a procedural error in canceling his visa.
For a few days, Djokovic was free to practice before his visa was revoked a second time and returned to Melbourne’s notorious immigration detention facility.
Many Australians – who have endured prolonged lockdowns and border restrictions – believe Djokovic has tricked the system into dodging vaccine entry requirements.
Experts say this case has important implications beyond the fate of a man who is good at tennis.
The case could determine how tourists, foreign visitors and even Australian citizens view immigration policies and ‘equality before the law,’ said Sanzhuan Guo, a law lecturer at Flinders University. ‘ of the nation for many years to come.
The case has also been continued by culture warriors in the heated debate about vaccines and how to handle the pandemic.
Australia’s Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has admitted that Djokovic poses a “negligible” risk of infecting Australians, but thinks a past “disregard” of Covid-19 regulations could pose a risk. public health risks and encourage people to ignore the rules of the pandemic.
The tennis ace contracted Covid-19 in mid-December and, in his own words, failed to isolate despite knowing he was very active.
Public records show he attended a stamp rollout, a youth tennis event, and gave media interviews during his testing and latest infection. he has been confirmed.
‘With or without him’
Djokovic ranks alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20 Grand Slam titles each.
Spanish great Nadal knocked out his opponent on Saturday as players complained the scandal had overshadowed the opening Grand Slam of the year.
Promote
“The Australian Open is much more important than any player,” Nadal told reporters at Melbourne Park.
“The Australian Open is going to be a great Australian Open with or without him.”
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