Novak Djokovic is facing backlash in Australia after receiving a medical exemption to compete in the Australian Open tennis tournament after expressing skepticism about vaccines in the past.
Novak Djokovic to be kicked out of Australia in HOURS: Anti-vax world tennis No1 has his visa cancelled over vaccine exemption row and is taken to Melbourne quarantine hotel as his lawyers battle to stop him being put on first plane home
Novak Djokovic will likely be deported from Australia after his visa was rejected by officials amid a mix-up with his application.
The world No. 1 tennis star, who was detained at Melbourne‘s Tullamarine airport overnight, has been denied entry into Australia after initially saying he had been granted a medical exemption from the country’s Covid-19vaccination requirements so that he could play in the Australian Open.
The 34-year-old was issued a letter by the Australian government saying his visa had been denied and he would be deported, a source close to the tournament said tonight.
Djokovic has now been moved to a hotel in Carlton in Melbourne’s inner-city under police guard as authorities arrange a deportation flight.
His lawyers launched a case at Melbourne’s Federal Court during Thursday afternoon local time (the early hours of Thursday in the UK). It was adjourned until 6pm local time (7am GMT) but is likely to proceed today.
The ABC reported one of the issues discussed is whether Djokovic has access to a tennis court while in detention, raising questions about how long he might be willing to wait for the case to be resolved.
The Serb flew in on an Emirates flight from Dubai, and a return flight with the airline departs Melbourne at 10.30pm local time (11.30am GMT).
Australia’s Health Minister Greg Hunt earlier confirmed that Djokovic’s visa had been cancelled, and Border Force issued a statement to that effect.
‘The Australian Border Force will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our laws and entry requirements,’ a statement read.
Healthcare workers protesting fake vaccine mandate beat up hospital boss in Guadeloupe. Why do so many healthcare workers worldwide not want the fake vaccine when they see why people are ill every day?
Healthcare workers protesting against mandatory vaccination for medical staff in the French Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe have beaten up the director of a local hospital and “torn clothes off” his deputy.
According to local media, the incident happened on Tuesday, and involved around 50 members of a healthcare workers’ union. Gaby Clavier, general secretary of the trade union section, said they had gathered outside the University Hospital of Guadeloupe to “get their money back.” Earlier, medical staff who had failed to comply with the mandate were subjected to pay deductions. Unvaccinated healthcare professionals were also set to be suspended after the December 31 deadline set by authorities.
The hospital issued a statement saying the protesters had blocked the entrance, trapping the medical facility’s director and several other personnel inside for a few hours. When they attempted to leave the building with a police escort, protesters reportedly “kicked the director in the ribs,” and then delivered a powerful headbutt that “nearly knocked him out.” One of his deputies had his clothes torn off.
Demonstrators were also said to have “seriously damaged” a vehicle belonging to a hospital official.
India concerned by Merck ‘Covid’ pill side effects – on and on it goes
India has announced it won’t be adding Merck’s Covid-19 pill to its national treatment protocol due to concerns about its safety. It can cause fetal defects and cell changes, according to the country’s medical research council.
On Wednesday, the state-run Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said it had become aware of “major safety concerns.”
“It can cause teratogenicity and mutagenicity, and it also can cause cartilage damage and be damaging to muscles,” ICMR Director-General Balram Bhargava stated. “More importantly, contraception will have to be used for three months if this drug is given, because the child born could be problematic, with teratogenic influences.”
A teratogen is an agent than can harm the development of a fetus, while mutagenic drugs change the genetic makeup of the subject.
Merck claims a study of its drug proves it does not lead to birth defects or cancer, and that study had actually used even higher doses and longer periods of administration than those normally used in humans.
“The WHO has not included it, the UK has not included it as of now. As of now, the current recommendation stands that it is not part of the national taskforce treatment,” Bhargava said.
Read more: India concerned by Merck ‘Covid’ pill side effects – on and on it goes
This ‘doctor’ doesn’t half talk some shit
Explainer: Why Novak Djokovic was not let into Australia
Top-ranked men’s tennis player had visa cancelled after arriving in Melbourne for the Australian Open.
Iraqi military marks 101st anniversary as US ends combat mission
Threats from armed groups pose challenges for security forces as they take on task of safeguarding the country.
‘Won’t take it any more’: South Korea’s Starbucks baristas rebel
Workers’ novel approach to labour activism holds lessons for old guard in country with a history of spirited protest.
India: New COVID cases jump nearly four times since start of year
Cases soar to 90,928 in the past 24 hours as New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata experience a surge in infections.
Kazakh police ‘eliminate’ protesters as CSTO deploys troops
Police say dozens of protesters were ‘eliminated’ overnight as a Russia-led alliance deploys troops to quell unrest.