Breaking News: Novak Djokovic Arrested for Not Being….
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Novak Djokovic has been detained in Australia ahead of a court hearing that will determine whether the unvaccinated tennis star can stay in the country.
The 34-year-old Serb’s visa was revoked for the second time, and now he faces deportation because the government considers him a health risk to the public.
The hearing is scheduled for Sunday, and his attorneys are appealing against what they described as a “irrational” decision.
Djokovic is still expected to compete in Monday’s Australian Open in Melbourne.
With 21 major titles, he would become the most successful men’s tennis player in the sport’s history if he were to win the competition.
However, if Djokovic is to be able to compete just hours later, Sunday’s hearing—which is set for 09:30 local time (22:30 GMT on Saturday—is essential.
The top-ranked men’s tennis player in the world risks deportation and a three-year visa ban if he loses the appeal.
Djokovic returned to the immigration detention hotel earlier this week on Saturday, following an online pre-trial hearing. He will stay there through Sunday, when he files his appeal.
Shortly after arriving in Melbourne on January 6, Australian Border Force officials cancelled Djokovic’s visa, citing his “failure to provide appropriate evidence” for a vaccine exemption.
After testing positive for COVID-19 twice, the tennis player was held for several days at the immigration hotel on December 16.
A judge then ordered his release and restored his visa, finding that border officials had not followed the proper protocol when he arrived.
However, on Friday night, Djokovic’s visa was once more revoked by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke using different authorities granted by Australia’s Migration Act.
He is able to deport anyone who he believes poses a threat to “the health, safety, or good order of the Australian community” according to the act.
The choice was made after “careful consideration,” according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
