Key points
- Influencer accused of spreading anti-Islam hatred
- Government cites strict hate speech laws
- Influencer blocked before departing for Australia
SYDNEY, Australia: Australia has cancelled the visa of an Israeli influencer who campaigns against Islam, saying it will not accept visitors who come to spread hatred.
Sammy Yahood, who has commented on social media against Islam, said Monday his visa was cancelled three hours before his flight departed from Israel, reports AFP.
Yahood flew to Abu Dhabi anyway, but was blocked from getting his connecting flight.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement sent to the media on Tuesday that people who want to visit Australia should apply for the right visa and come for the right reasons.
“Spreading hatred is not a good reason to come,” he said.
Hate crime laws
Australia tightened its hate crime laws this month in response to a December 14 mass shooting on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people.
Yahood’s visa was reportedly cancelled under the same legislation that has been used in the past to reject people’s visas on hatred grounds.
