Sydney, Australia- the judge ordered the government to release Novak Djokovic and restore his visa. Novak is a Serbian tennis star who won the legal victory to avoid deportation from Australia. He remains in detention by the Australian government for not getting vaccine for covid-19. Also, his visa was cancel by the authorities.
Detention at the airport
The tennis star was detained at an airport after he arrives in Melbourne from Dubai. He is the holder of the title for the Australian open winning a record nine times. He was hoping to defend his title in the tournament starting on 17th January. When he arrived, he had his vaccination exemption and visa to play in the tournament. However, border officials did not let him enter the country without being getting vaccine.
On Saturday, in a court filing, his lawyers said that Djokovic had tested positive for the virus in mid-December. Meanwhile, he was also got grant vaccination exemption by Australian tennis officials. On Monday, he argued that the government had mistaken in canceling the Djokovic visa over the vaccine obligation.
Supporting documents provided by the player
Meanwhile, the judge noted that the tennis player’s visa application was inclusive of medical exemption from a physician, supported documents by the government in Victoria including Melbourne. Furthermore, the player was eager to resolve the issue. Judge Kelly said, ‘’ the point I’m somewhat agitate about is, what more could this man have done?’’
Meanwhile, the government’s lawyer said that he could be denied entry if he presented a threat to public health. Furthermore, under the vaccine guidance issue late in December amid the omicron variant, the country’s chief medical body made it compulsory for travelers to get vaccine against Covid-19. They referred to it as ‘’ acute major medical illness’’ moreover, the applicant has past evidence that it had recovered from Covid 19. But it doesn’t exempt him from getting his vaccination. However, Djokovic tested positive on December 16, after that he appeared in several public events such as awards ceremonies for junior players. He was not wearing a mask in the event.
Meanwhile, depending on the current Covid rules and regulations, and criticism from the citizens, the Tennis star still could face deportation. Though, Djokovic is allow to stay in Australia and can participate in the tournament. However, many criticize the tennis star for risking others’ life despite Covid positive and attending events.
