Novak Djokovic row: Serbian President says Australia is conducting 'political witch hunt'

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday reportedly accused Australia of conducting a 'political witch hunt' against tennis star Novak Djokovic, who was detained upon arrival in Melbourne after his visa was cancelled by Australian Border Force due to alleged irregularities.

Djokovic h arrived in Australia on Wednesday with a medical exemption but was immediately detained by country's immigration officials after he reportedly failed to meet appropriate entry requirements. It was reported that Djokovic’s team h applied for wrong of visa for a person with a medical exemption. 

According to reports, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday slammed Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for not allowing Djokovic to enter country. Vucic accused Australians of conducting a political witch hunt against Serbian tennis star. Vucic claimed that Djokovic was being targetted as or players with medical exemptions have been permitted to attend Australian Open.

Vucic reportedly said that Serbian Prime Minister is in constant touch with a member of Australian Home Affairs and that authorities have alrey met with Australian ambassor twice since Djokovic was detained. 

A brief timeline of events

Victorian state government and Australian Open organisers granted Djokovic a medical exemption. However, it quickly generated a debate in Australia, with critics asking why tennis player was given an exemption while everyone else followed same rules and protocols.

When asked about Djokovic's exemption, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Serbian would have to prove why he deserves to be spared from coronavirus vaccination upon his arrival in Australia. Djokovic h previously declared his opposition to coronavirus vaccines and is reported to have kept his immunisation status a secret.

After his visa was revoked by Australian authorities, Djokovic was sent to a hotel. His lawyers are contesting ruling in court right now. If court rejects Djokovic's requests, he would be deported back to Serbia. Djokovic's far, on or hand, has threatened Australian government with street protests if World No. 1 is not released from detention.

Djokovic h come to Australia with hope of breaking his tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nal to win an unprecedented 21st Grand Slam title. 

Image: AP