The United Kingdom has banned two well-known American political commentators from entry, leading to discussions on free speech, public safety and the extent of government power. The pair of commentators, Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, were set to speak at public forums in London this week, including a public forum connected to the SXSW London festival and a talk at the Oxford Union.
But before their scheduled visits, British authorities cancelled their Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs). The pair had been turned down for entry to the UK because their presence “may not be conducive to the public good”, a Home Office spokesman said in a statement, which is a standard legal basis used by the government when it denies foreigners entry into the country. The officials gave no details in public about why they made the decision.
The move is believed to be connected to worries that the past remarks by the commentators and political rhetoric might help to drive tensions regarding antisemitism. The two men have both been vocal critics of Israel’s response to Gaza, and have come under criticism for past statements that critics have called “inflammatory”.
Uygur, who founded the online political network The Young Turks, has been charged with numerous atrocities committed against the Gaza Strip, while Piker, one of the most popular political streamers in the United States, has been criticised for his previous comments on the September 11 attacks and comments about the Middle East conflict. Both have denied any form of antisemitism and say that their criticism is against Israeli government policies, not Jewish people
The duo harshly condemned the decision by the UK government. Uygur said he was not included due to his opinions on Israel, while Piker said dissenting voices were being increasingly silenced by Western governments.
The decision has been condemned by civil liberties and free speech organisations for fear it could impede free debate in the country. There has been debate among organisations, such as free expression groups, about whether the decision creates a precedent that may impact political discussion.
But those who oppose the ban argue that it is the government’s duty to stop people whose actions can fuel community conflicts from coming to the country. The Home Secretary has wide discretion in public interest decisions to refuse entry.
The case comes months after a slew of exclusions from the UK, showcasing the continued wrangle between freedom of expression and public order. Neither Uygur nor Piker do not have a formal right of appeal to the ETA’s decision at this time, but may reapply in the future.
According to The Guardian, the ban on the entry of Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur into the UK follows complaints from free speech activists. The Guardian reported that activists for free speech are protesting the ban on Piker’s and Uygur’s entry into the UK.
