Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says the “harassment” of men’s tennis world No.1 Novak Djokovic must end, with the player left in limbo by the cancellation of his visa days out from the Australian Open.
“In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know.” – Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic
President Aleksandar Vučić wrote on Instagram that he had spoken to Djokovic and vowed to use all diplomatic avenues available to Serbia to help the player.
“I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him,” Mr Vučić wrote.
“Our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world’s best tennis player is brought to an end, immediately.
Djokovic was confined for several hours overnight at a Melbourne airport following his arrival at about 11.20 pm on Wednesday after the Australian Border Force submitted concerns over his entry visa.
That visa was later cancelled, with Health Minister Greg Hunt saying the federal government had conducted a review of the COVID-19 vaccine exemption granted to Djokovic by the Victorian state government.
Djokovic can appeal the decision, “But if a visa is cancelled, somebody will have to leave the country,” Mr Hunt told the Seven Network.
Since December 15, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders can arrive in Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption and can travel to eligible states and territories without having to quarantine.
But if a person is not vaccinated, they must provide proof they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons or be turned away.
Serbia is Australia’s 145th largest export market with $3.7 million of exports last year. Silver & platinum largest export item at $1.4 million Serbia is Australia’s 80th largest source of imports at $81 million last year. Main items glassware, soaps, cleaners & pumps for liquids
