Twitch streamer Hasan Piker sharply criticized the British authorities after he and his uncle, Cenk Uygur, were banned from entering the UK. They are both accused of promoting anti-Semitism, and the ban means they will no longer be able to attend SXSW London, where they were scheduled to perform.
The UK has denied entry to Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur to the SXSW festival in London after they allegedly criticized Israel.
According to Variety, Piker, known online as HasanAbi, was scheduled to speak on a panel titled "How the American Left Learned to Speak the Language of the Internet," while Uygur was scheduled to speak on the topic "Technofeudalism Is Here. Who Are the Lords?".
Uyghur, host of the online political talk show Young Turks, addressed X and wrote: "I was banned from entering the UK. I was trying to board a plane to London to attend SXSW London and give a speech at Oxford. I was banned for criticizing Israel. Are we even free? This is oppression of Western citizens by our own governments on behalf of another country!"«
Piker also wrote: "The UK revoked my visa, all at Israel's insistence. The West is betraying 'liberal values' for a genocidal fascist foreign government. Soon we will all be Israel.".
According to Fox News, Pike claimed the decision was part of a broader trend of governments suppressing anti-Israel sentiment. He said, "This is blatant fascism. Criticizing Israel while simultaneously combating anti-Semitism is not a compelling enough reason to ban someone from entering the country.".
Home Office officials told Variety that the Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) were cancelled because "their presence in the UK may not contribute to the public good. Decisions to refuse or cancel ETAs on these grounds are made solely based on an assessment of the potential risk an individual may pose to the UK public.".
A representative of SXSW London told the publication that they are aware that Uygur and Piker are unable to enter the UK following the Home Office's decision. The representative added, "Decisions about entry into the UK are made by the Home Office and stakeholders. SXSW London's role is to bring together a diverse range of voices and perspectives. We remain focused on delivering this week's program, facilitating open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, and presenting over 800 speakers, artists, and screenings.".
Share your opinion on this matter.
The article "Twitch streamer Hasan Piker responds to UK entry ban" first appeared on Reality Tea.