Australia: visa of Israeli influencer calling for ban on Islam canceled

Australian authorities canceled the visa of Sammy Yahoodan Israeli influencer known for his comments calling for a ban on Islam. The decision came hours before his departure for Australia and was confirmed by the Minister of the Interior Tony Burkewho said that “spreading hatred is not a valid reason to come to the country.”

On social networks, Yahood called Islam “a murderous ideology” and said that Islam must be “banned”. He also argued that this religion could not coexist peacefully with other societies. These comments were widely relayed online.

The influencer was to participate in several events in Australia and lead workshops presented as self-defense training. L’Australian Jewish Associationwho had invited him, denounced a cancellation decided “at the last minute” and criticized the government. This decision comes in a context of tightening migration rules. New provisions now allow Australian authorities to refuse or cancel a visa in the event of hateful, discriminatory or extremist speech.