If you look at a detailed map of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia you will see some strange shapes appearing in the very south of the country. These are the Soviet formed exclaves belonging to both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. They were formed in the 1950s to answer the question of what to do with small regions which were ethnically diverse from the Kyrgyz Republic the people had found themselves living in due to Stalin’s map making.
These exclaves had always intrigued me and I wondered what life was like in them. However there is zero information online about visiting them. However I am always up for a wasted journey so I hired a car in northern Kyrgyzstan and drove 1000kms to one of these exclaves to see if foreigners were allowed to enter or not.
Join me on a wild adventure towards the mysterious mountain exclave of Shohimardo
BREAKING NEWS: 100% of Australian want Novak to stay in Oz.
According to the latest survey in Australia, a surprising 100% agree that he should stay in Australia and play tennis.
“Secondly, this tournament, this grand slam tournament – one of the big four – is much bigger than any one person. Much bigger. That’s why it’s a grand slam. That’s why it’s the biggest thing in tennis in the first quarter of every year. And it’s why it’s one of our most significant major events.
When you read the comments on tennis blogs and livestreams, many people are just sick of Australia. If China werent currently being such arseholes they would be challenging to host the first Major of the year.
2.17pm
Government elaborates on why it didn’t seek Djokovic’s current vaccination views
By Simone Fox Koob
Australian government counsel Stephen Lloyd, SC, is addressing the fact that Novak Djokovic’s views on vaccination were not sought this week by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke during considerations about whether to cancel the Serbian tennis star’s visa.
Mr Lloyd said that “the mere fact it might have been reasonable to make an inquiry does not make the person bound to make it”.
He then questioned whether the information would have even been useful if it had been sought.
“Whatever the applicant might have said in a letter in response to such an inquiry about his current vaccination views would not have altered the facts of his previous stated views and impression held by the Australian community,” Mr Lloyd said.
“A large part of the issue is not just what his views are but how his views are perceived … to that extent there is no reason to think there was any duty to inquire.”
He also says Djokovic has chosen not to give any evidence during this trial.
“There’s no evidence before the court that the applicant could or would have put forward any useful material to the Minister had his views been sought. He has chosen not to put any evidence in this trial.”
With all the problems plaguing the world, 3 Federal judges are spending their Sunday with a case where a person who is definitely Not a threat to Australia is, according to the govt, a threat to Australia.
2.30pm
Federal government finishes its oral submissions
By Simone Fox Koob
The lawyer acting for the Immigration Minister, Stephen Lloyd, SC, has now finished his oral submissions.
He stressed that the government does not have to prove that Djokovic will foster anti-vaccination sentiment, but that he may foster it.
The applicant’s views or widely understood views about vaccination have come to the fore, they are right in people’s mind in the moment, the Minister has to make a decision about risk … and how he has now become an icon for the anti-vaccination groups and then what role that will have if somebody of his significance being present in Australia at a time when that is the issue.
The Minister clearly sees there is a risk that in the same way as Mr Djokovic advertises or associates with an array of products, and no doubt because of his popularity and status that does well for those people who engage him for his endorsements.
Rightly or wrongly, he is perceived to endorse an anti-vaccination view and that his presence is perceived to contribute that and foster further sentiment.
We say that the known facts, the facts of Mr Djokovic’s views or perceived views, knowledge of his perceived views, and historical views … in combination with his status and presence could be seen to contribute significantly to those issues, and that’s all that’s required to make the inference the Minister made.
Mr Lloyd said that “people of Mr Djokovic’s status are able to influence people who look up to him”.
Nicholas Wood, SC, appearing on behalf of Djokovic, is now replying.
***
The Morrison government has previously described the Australian people as “sheep”.
“A large part of the issue is not just what his views are but how his views are perceived … to that extent there is no reason to think there was any duty to inquire.”
Stalin would be so proud. That should open plenty of doors. I’ll have to check, not on the truth, but how my views are perceived. Let us re-try Newton, Einstein, Flemming…. on how their views were perceived at the time.
This has been a fabulous session. The legal vortex, wiggle and jiggle, double and triple negatives.
Lesson: Remember to TICK THE RIGHT BOX.
It is Brazil without the cockroach
Morning folks, videos from Anthony Weiner’ laptop making their way out of Wikileaks. You really, really, really don’t want them to be true but on the other hand you do. Naughty Hillary. Naughty Huma.
But in that case you have to ask why the Liberal Party is asking us to vote for the Victorian MP Russell Broadbent who, is just as unvaccinated as Novak Djokovic.
Australians are stupid.
They won’t be able to work out that an Oz LNP MP can transmit a virus the same as a Serb athlete.
Drawing another long bow, Hawke also argues that by his presence Djokovic might lead to an increase in civil unrest in the form of rallies and protests which could themselves be a source of community transmission.
As above. Australians are stupid.
When there is any increase in cases, just say it could have been worse if Djokovic had been allowed to stay. Sheep won’t understand that the number of cases has no relevance to Djokovic in the country or out of it.
2.44pm
The Federal Court has now adjourned
By Simone Fox Koob
The court has now adjourned to allow Chief Justice James Allsop, Justice Anthony Besanko and Justice David O’Callaghan to make a decision.
Chief Justice Allsop said the three would spend the afternoon and maybe the early evening dealing with the arguments that have been put before the court, “not with a view to delivering all reasons today, but with a view if possible to reach a view as to the outcome of the matter”.
“We would hope to be in a position to identify to the parties later in the afternoon what the course is that we propose,” he said.
He said that the court may come back this afternoon or tomorrow morning and, if so, it will be announced on the court website and relisted.
Djokovic’s lawyer, Nick Wood, SC, requested that if the court ruled in Djokovic’s favour, an order be made requiring the tennis star’s immediate release within 30 minutes of the decision being handed down.
Global warming record
If you’re ever out in NW Qld you need to stop for a coldie at the historic Cloncurry pub. Walls lined with old newspapers saying not so fast Onslow.
Cloncurry was widely regarded as holding the record for the highest temperature recorded in Australia at 53.1 °C (127.5 °F) on 16 January 1889. Recent investigations have revealed that this temperature was measured in an improvised screen made from a beer crate and that it equated to 47–49 °C under standard conditions
But of course. Birds falling out of the sky stone dead. Animals in their paddocks likewise. Locals reckon they get 50+ every year but it’s just another day so they don’t jump up and down about it.
Within hours of taking office, Virginia’s newly sworn-in Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) cleaned house – firing dozens of lawyers, including those in the Civil Rights division – and announcing investigations into the Virginia Parole Board and Loudon County Public Schools.
In a Saturday statement just houtrs after Miyares and GOP Gov. Glenn Younkin were sworn in, he explained why he launched the investigations into the parole board and the school district.
“One of the reasons Virginians get so fed up with government is the lack of transparency – and that’s a big issue here,” he wrote. “The Virginia Parole Board broke the law when they let out murders, rapists, and cop killers early on their sentences without notifying the victims. Loudoun Country Public Schools covered up a sexual assault on school grounds for political gain, leading to an additional assault of a young girl.”
On Saturday January 15 2022, American pianist Ruth Slenczynska will celebrate her 97th birthday.
At this landmark age, Slenczynska has achieved an astonishing nine-decade long career, having begun performing as a child prodigy in the 1920s.
To mark the occasion, Slenczynska has announced her resigning with the record label, Decca Classics for her first album with the company since the 1960s; Slenczynska’s new solo piano album, My Life in Music is due to be released later this year.
I have started building up the Elections section of the CatWiki.
If any of you would like to help, you can add information in the wiki, or if you have something to add but don’t want to do it there, you can put a CatWiki tag in the Open Thread and share it as a comment here.
I will pick it up and add it to the wiki.
Also, there are other ways to contribute to the wiki. If you notice errors or comments that need to be updated, flag it here.
“A large part of the issue is not just what his views are but how his views are perceived … to that extent there is no reason to think there was any duty to inquire.”
And the ConservaCorp monkeys like Chris Smith, Hadley, Bolt, Murray, will now be sent out to cheer this fvcking shitshow on.
“A large part of the issue is not just what his views are but how his views are perceived … to that extent there is no reason to think there was any duty to inquire.”
Yes, lets rejoice because we going to China for the cold Olympics. Back to the source.
And the justice system, summed up: It is no part or function of the court to decide upon the merit or wisdom of the decision
Speaking on behalf of the full court less than 24 hours before the Australian Open gets underway, Chief Justice James Allsop handed down orders that will see Djokovic on a flight back home.
“This is not an appeal against the decision of the executive government,” Allsop told the court. “It is an application to the court as a separate arm of government being the Commonwealth judicial branch to review a decision by a member of executive, the minister, for the lawfulness or legality of the decision on the three grounds put forward.
“These grounds focus on whether decision was for different reasons irrational or legally unreasonable. It is no part or function of the court to decide upon the merit or wisdom of the decision.”
Craig Kelly MP
@CraigKellyMP
·
24m
Geniuses &🤡🤡alike may celebrate BUT so-called human rights advocates & believers in Australia as a “free country” should be horrified.
Basically ANYONE coming to Australia can be removed JUST because their views are not liked & “may” lead to “anyone” here having the same “view”.
After losing his last-ditch bid to overturn his visa cancellation, Djokovic released a statement to the media.
“I’d like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing. I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this,” he said.
“I am extremely disappointed with the ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.
“I respect the Court’s ruling and I’ll co-operate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.
“I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love. I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.
“Finally I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.”
QLD Coronavirus News
Big question mark hangs over Wellcamp quarantine hub
With the controversial Wellcamp quarantine facility set to open in weeks, the Palaszczuk government is still trying to work out exactly who will use the hub.
People who’s views could be perceived as not aligned with the government.
Novak would never have gone to Australia if he had not been given an exemption to enter the country by the government (which he did receive; hence Judge Kelly’s initial ruling). He would have skipped the Australian Open and been home with his family and no one would be
.. talking about this mess. There was a political agenda at play here with the elections coming up which couldn’t be more obvious. This is not his fault. He did not force his way into the country and did not “make his own rules”; he was ready to stay home.
1/
Novak I hope you decide never to set foot in Australia ever again. Even if they beg you to come back. They DONOT deserve a legend like you.
2/
Novak Djokovic is proof that the last two years is not about your health, it’s about government control.
His stance will ensure the narrative crumbles even quicker.
I stand up for anyone that stands up for themselves, all the current sitting Gov’ts in Australia are lost causes
As a reminder, Minister Hawke noted that there was no issue with Novak’s documentation & his medical exemption was valid.
So all the attacking at the start of this was based on a huge lie.
They had to use power reserved for terrorists to deport him based on a ‘feeling’.
Wow.
3/
I want to thank @ScottMorrisonMP
for protecting my vulnerable mind from the wrong-think of anti-vaxxer Novak Djokovic
Had he played this week, I fear I might have been infected by unapproved views
With Novak gone, I can watch tennis without the temptation to commit thought crime
4/
Djokovic lost because the law was designed to make the Minister’s decisions immune from judicial review. That is not a good thing.
Bald:
If you look at a detailed map of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia you will see some strange shapes appearing in the very south of the country. These are the Soviet formed exclaves belonging to both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. They were formed in the 1950s to answer the question of what to do with small regions which were ethnically diverse from the Kyrgyz Republic the people had found themselves living in due to Stalin’s map making.
These exclaves had always intrigued me and I wondered what life was like in them. However there is zero information online about visiting them. However I am always up for a wasted journey so I hired a car in northern Kyrgyzstan and drove 1000kms to one of these exclaves to see if foreigners were allowed to enter or not.
Join me on a wild adventure towards the mysterious mountain exclave of Shohimardo
Avoid this Soviet Exclave!
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Court will adjourn until 1:30pm Melbourne time
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Brilliant!
Dire Straits – Ticket to heaven
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Bonkers!
ENZED UIM 2016 Jetsprint WORLDS ACTION
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BREAKING NEWS: 100% of Australian want Novak to stay in Oz.
According to the latest survey in Australia, a surprising 100% agree that he should stay in Australia and play tennis.
( Note: Survey of me and a couple of mates)
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Dickhead Dan
When you read the comments on tennis blogs and livestreams, many people are just sick of Australia. If China werent currently being such arseholes they would be challenging to host the first Major of the year.
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ᵔᴥᵔ
Un
.
Deux
.
Trois
.
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2.17pm
Government elaborates on why it didn’t seek Djokovic’s current vaccination views
By Simone Fox Koob
Australian government counsel Stephen Lloyd, SC, is addressing the fact that Novak Djokovic’s views on vaccination were not sought this week by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke during considerations about whether to cancel the Serbian tennis star’s visa.
Mr Lloyd said that “the mere fact it might have been reasonable to make an inquiry does not make the person bound to make it”.
He then questioned whether the information would have even been useful if it had been sought.
“Whatever the applicant might have said in a letter in response to such an inquiry about his current vaccination views would not have altered the facts of his previous stated views and impression held by the Australian community,” Mr Lloyd said.
“A large part of the issue is not just what his views are but how his views are perceived … to that extent there is no reason to think there was any duty to inquire.”
He also says Djokovic has chosen not to give any evidence during this trial.
“There’s no evidence before the court that the applicant could or would have put forward any useful material to the Minister had his views been sought. He has chosen not to put any evidence in this trial.”
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Australia is truly the Lucky Country.
With all the problems plaguing the world, 3 Federal judges are spending their Sunday with a case where a person who is definitely Not a threat to Australia is, according to the govt, a threat to Australia.
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2.30pm
Federal government finishes its oral submissions
By Simone Fox Koob
The lawyer acting for the Immigration Minister, Stephen Lloyd, SC, has now finished his oral submissions.
He stressed that the government does not have to prove that Djokovic will foster anti-vaccination sentiment, but that he may foster it.
The applicant’s views or widely understood views about vaccination have come to the fore, they are right in people’s mind in the moment, the Minister has to make a decision about risk … and how he has now become an icon for the anti-vaccination groups and then what role that will have if somebody of his significance being present in Australia at a time when that is the issue.
The Minister clearly sees there is a risk that in the same way as Mr Djokovic advertises or associates with an array of products, and no doubt because of his popularity and status that does well for those people who engage him for his endorsements.
Rightly or wrongly, he is perceived to endorse an anti-vaccination view and that his presence is perceived to contribute that and foster further sentiment.
We say that the known facts, the facts of Mr Djokovic’s views or perceived views, knowledge of his perceived views, and historical views … in combination with his status and presence could be seen to contribute significantly to those issues, and that’s all that’s required to make the inference the Minister made.
Mr Lloyd said that “people of Mr Djokovic’s status are able to influence people who look up to him”.
Nicholas Wood, SC, appearing on behalf of Djokovic, is now replying.
***
The Morrison government has previously described the Australian people as “sheep”.
This case is confirming that is how they view us.
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They can be back at 3 pm.
How long do they need to decide the obvious?
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“A large part of the issue is not just what his views are but how his views are perceived … to that extent there is no reason to think there was any duty to inquire.”
Stalin would be so proud. That should open plenty of doors. I’ll have to check, not on the truth, but how my views are perceived. Let us re-try Newton, Einstein, Flemming…. on how their views were perceived at the time.
This has been a fabulous session. The legal vortex, wiggle and jiggle, double and triple negatives.
Lesson: Remember to TICK THE RIGHT BOX.
It is Brazil without the cockroach
Report comment
Morning folks, videos from Anthony Weiner’ laptop making their way out of Wikileaks. You really, really, really don’t want them to be true but on the other hand you do. Naughty Hillary. Naughty Huma.
Report comment
Australians are stupid.
They won’t be able to work out that an Oz LNP MP can transmit a virus the same as a Serb athlete.
As above. Australians are stupid.
When there is any increase in cases, just say it could have been worse if Djokovic had been allowed to stay. Sheep won’t understand that the number of cases has no relevance to Djokovic in the country or out of it.
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There’s nothing worse than a few days without one’ pretentious, insufferable friends.
Double and boosted and infected. Down the bottom she’s searching for a replacement for Geoffrey. Run away lads
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Can I have a FMD
2.44pm
The Federal Court has now adjourned
By Simone Fox Koob
The court has now adjourned to allow Chief Justice James Allsop, Justice Anthony Besanko and Justice David O’Callaghan to make a decision.
Chief Justice Allsop said the three would spend the afternoon and maybe the early evening dealing with the arguments that have been put before the court, “not with a view to delivering all reasons today, but with a view if possible to reach a view as to the outcome of the matter”.
“We would hope to be in a position to identify to the parties later in the afternoon what the course is that we propose,” he said.
He said that the court may come back this afternoon or tomorrow morning and, if so, it will be announced on the court website and relisted.
Djokovic’s lawyer, Nick Wood, SC, requested that if the court ruled in Djokovic’s favour, an order be made requiring the tennis star’s immediate release within 30 minutes of the decision being handed down.
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From Dr Robert Malone:
“How Bad is my Batch”
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Re-reading that, it looks like Allsop is committed to getting the outcome today.
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Global warming record
If you’re ever out in NW Qld you need to stop for a coldie at the historic Cloncurry pub. Walls lined with old newspapers saying not so fast Onslow.
But of course. Birds falling out of the sky stone dead. Animals in their paddocks likewise. Locals reckon they get 50+ every year but it’s just another day so they don’t jump up and down about it.
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Pariah
Pet advice, basically don’t leave them home alone
Anyway, time for some exercise
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No achievement of note.
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He was the one asking most of the questions. Seemed fairly even-handed.
They need to decide quickly.
I can help.
3-0 in favour of Djokovic.
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From a different Cat –
2 of them aren’t about you know what.
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Virginia’s New AG Fires Civil Rights Division, Will Start Prosecuting Cases Dropped By ‘Social Justice’ DAs
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I hope one of them was mine, Ted!
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Heads of State: Disapproval Ratings
UK
USA
Australia
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Ruth Slenczynska – My Life In Music (album trailer)
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Ruth, in 1930 as:
A Five Year Old Prodigy
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Do we have to poo everyday?
💩💩💩💩💩💩💩
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Came across this side effect of that complete bastard biden’s open border policy:
Among girls in the U.S. who are sex trafficked before the age of 18, how many times will the average victim be raped over her lifetime?
You get 3 choices.
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Interesting.
Asked the local staff at a particular establishment if a jab pass is needed in the drive thru. Yes he states.
Will you use your discretion I ask? ( Big smile and walked away without utterance )
Solved.
Just need to work at my local….place were you buy food. Owners need to protect their holdings, I understand..no malice. Escape routes are organized.
This will be fun.
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Any business hosting that Premier Clown and family needs to be! [ self censorship]
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Craig Kelly MP
@CraigKellyMP
·
2h
What’s happened to Australia ?
What’s happened to free thought ?
Spending hours arguing about Djokovic’s “views” on vaccination when that makes NO difference to an Aussie’s medical decision they’ve ALREADY made.
Aussies have ALREADY been coerced or have decided for THEMSELVES.
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Its not exactly an offence in this country to walk around with a placard saying, down with vaccines.
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I have started building up the Elections section of the CatWiki.
If any of you would like to help, you can add information in the wiki, or if you have something to add but don’t want to do it there, you can put a CatWiki tag in the Open Thread and share it as a comment here.
I will pick it up and add it to the wiki.
Also, there are other ways to contribute to the wiki. If you notice errors or comments that need to be updated, flag it here.
Thanks.
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Djokovic loses, now to be deported.
What a country.
I won’t be watching a single game.
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Djokovic deported for wrongthink.
God help Australia.
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mh, thanks for your commentary.
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The Morrison government:
And the ConservaCorp monkeys like Chris Smith, Hadley, Bolt, Murray, will now be sent out to cheer this fvcking shitshow on.
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Yes, lets rejoice because we going to China for the cold Olympics. Back to the source.
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Scummo’s darkest hour.
What-a-Gimp.
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The headlines display the impartiality of the media.
Novak Djokovic booted from Australia by court
And the justice system, summed up:
It is no part or function of the court to decide upon the merit or wisdom of the decision
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They came for Conservative, Christian Folau, and conservative, christian Scotty played dumb.
They also came for Conservative, Christian Pell, and conservative, christian Scotty played mute.
They came again for Conservative, Christian Djokovic, and conservative, christian Scotty played politics.
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Craig Kelly MP
@CraigKellyMP
·
24m
Geniuses &🤡🤡alike may celebrate BUT so-called human rights advocates & believers in Australia as a “free country” should be horrified.
Basically ANYONE coming to Australia can be removed JUST because their views are not liked & “may” lead to “anyone” here having the same “view”.
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After losing his last-ditch bid to overturn his visa cancellation, Djokovic released a statement to the media.
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People who’s views could be perceived as not aligned with the government.
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Vasek Pospisil
Canadian Professional Tennis Player
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From the WeStandWithNovak thread
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˘◡˘
Break time
1/
Audrey Hepburn
Moon River
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