US left-wing commentator calls decision to ban him from UK ‘Kafkaesque’ | freedom of speech

A left-wing American political commentator described the British government’s decision to ban him from entering the country as “hilarious and cheerful” and “Kafkaesque.”

Cenk Uygur, founder and presenter of the well-established progressive media outlet Young Turks, was banned from entering the UK earlier this week to attend a speech alongside Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who has become a popular figure on the US political left.

The Home Office’s decision to revoke Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) on the grounds that their presence in the UK “may not serve the public interest” has raised questions about the government’s censorship of free speech, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski condemning it as “grim” and freedom of expression advocacy group Index on Censorship describing it as a “worrying escalation”.

When asked about the government’s decision by Sky News on Thursday morning, Uygur said: “It’s a bit haunting and fun at the same time.

He added, “I’m not sure what I’m accused of here.” “Am I really banned from entering the UK from now on? And how can someone who almost religiously supports non-violence be a threat to public order?”

The government has not commented on the specific reasons for the ban on Uyghurs traveling to the UK in 2025. Uighur and his nephew Picker were both scheduled to attend SXSW London and will now speak virtually at an event hosted by the Oxford United Society, which they plan to attend.

Foreigners wishing to visit the UK will need permission in the form of a visa or ETA. Both can be rejected for a variety of reasons. The rules contain broad discretion for the Home Secretary to exclude individuals on the basis that their presence “is not conducive to the public interest because of their conduct, character, associations or for any other reason.”

The government blocked 11 foreign far-right activists from entering the UK in May ahead of a rally held by Tommy Robinson, which Keir Starmer accused of “promoting hate and division”.

Earlier this year, Kanye West was blocked from visiting the UK on the grounds that his presence did not serve the public interest, leading to protests and the cancellation of the Wireless Music Festival. The rapper has been criticized for making anti-Semitic comments, including expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler, and has apologized for his anti-Semitic actions.

Uygur, a 56-year-old activist and lawyer, condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and “barbarism.” He said his criticism was limited to his analysis of Israel’s influence on U.S. policy decisions.

Asked whether the British government’s decision was made because of its views on Israel, Mr Uighur said: “There is no doubt about it.”

Uyghur did not receive any reason from the government for the ETA cancellation, but the Times, which first reported the ban on Monday, cited concerns that his presence “might encourage anti-Semitism” and said the decision was based on several grounds, including “anti-Semitic tropes” after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and comments about Uyghur forming a gang on Piers Morgan’s YouTube show.

Uighur said: “I wonder whether the British government will list out acceptable and unacceptable ways to criticize Israel, and whether they have these standards for other countries.

“Obviously this is Kafkaesque and Orwellian, and the question is why? Why are your governments and our governments in the United States so obsessed with this tiny, tiny country and why have their feelings been hurt?”

He added: “What about the feelings of Palestine or Lebanon, who are now under attack by Israel, or Iran, who are now under attack by Israel? Are we not worried about their feelings?”

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