Novak Djokovic under investigation again for false travel documents to get entry in Australia
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Novak Djokovic
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic yesterday won his case against the Australian government after he was detained at Melbourne airport on 6th January and denied entry into the country. The player was questioned by the immigration officers for nearly 9 hours where he was asked to justify why he needed the medical exemption.
As the player was unable to give satisfactory answers, he was taken into a federal quarantine center as his lawyers took the matter to the court which ruled the case in Djokovic’s favour and ordered immediate release of him from quarantine and was allowed to join his family and team and prepare for the Grand Slam that begins next week.
However, the player has now come under investigation once again. As the lawyers of the player submitted ‘proofs’ of Djokovic being Covid-19 positive on 16th December and then testing negative on 22nd December. However, the player was seen attending public gatherings maskless on 16th, 17th and 18th December that have raised serious questions.
The Border Force is also looking into a ‘false’ information where Djokovic opted for ‘No’ in the traveller declaration where he was asked ‘Have you travelled or will you travel in the 14 days prior to your flight to Australia?’. This ‘No’ may turn out costly for the player as he was seen celebrating Christmas in Belgrade and then travelling to Spain where he had little training.
Djokovic flew to Australia from Spain via Dubai on 4th January and this has led to much doubts whether the player had lied to get entry into the country to play the Slam where he has since then cause a lot of controversy that have also led to massive protests in the country with supporters of the player chanting ‘Free Nole’.
Australian government deciding on deportation of Novak Djokovic
Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke now remains the only person who will decide on fate of Djokovic staying in Australia and participating in the Australian Open. A spokesperson for Hawke said, “In line with due process, minister Hawke will thoroughly consider the matter. As the issue is ongoing, for legal reasons it is inappropriate to comment further.”
Since the Scott Morrison led government has already made a big issue of the whole situation as they are adamant on not allowing any unvaccinated person in the country, either way the government might come in heavy criticism on whatever decision minister Hawke will make, that is expected to be announced by this week itself.
Also Read: WATCH: Novak Djokovic begins practice at the Rod Laver Arena for the upcoming 2022 Australian Open
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)