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US Political Commentators Denied Entry to Britain Ahead of Speaking Events
(MENAFN) American political commentator and The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur has said he was refused entry to the United Kingdom shortly before he was due to participate in two public appearances, claiming the decision was linked to his outspoken criticism of Israel. His nephew, political streamer Hasan Piker, has also stated that British authorities revoked his visa under similar circumstances.
The development comes amid ongoing accusations from pro-Palestinian activists who argue that the UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken steps to suppress voices perceived as strongly critical of Israeli policies.
In a statement shared on social media Monday, Uygur claimed British authorities had blocked his entry because of his views on Israel.
“banned from the UK… for criticizing Israel.”
He further wrote:
“Are we free anymore? This is oppression of Western citizens by our own governments on behalf of a different country!”
According to reports, British officials revoked Uygur’s electronic travel authorization last week. The commentator had been scheduled to participate in a major event in London on Thursday, followed by another speaking engagement in Oxford the next day.
Piker was also expected to appear at the London event. Responding to the decision, he criticized Western governments in a social media post, writing that the “West is betraying ‘liberal values’ for a genocidal fascist foreign government.”
Both commentators have repeatedly referred to Israel’s military operations in Gaza against Hamas as “genocide.”
The decision has drawn criticism from political figures within the UK. Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski accused the government of “doing everything possible to silence criticism of the Israeli Government.”
The controversy follows another high-profile case involving pro-Palestinian activism. Earlier this month, four members of the Palestine Action group were found guilty over their involvement in a 2024 operation targeting a defense facility linked to Israel in the city of Bristol. Sentencing in the case is expected to take place later in June, according to reports.
The development comes amid ongoing accusations from pro-Palestinian activists who argue that the UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken steps to suppress voices perceived as strongly critical of Israeli policies.
In a statement shared on social media Monday, Uygur claimed British authorities had blocked his entry because of his views on Israel.
“banned from the UK… for criticizing Israel.”
He further wrote:
“Are we free anymore? This is oppression of Western citizens by our own governments on behalf of a different country!”
According to reports, British officials revoked Uygur’s electronic travel authorization last week. The commentator had been scheduled to participate in a major event in London on Thursday, followed by another speaking engagement in Oxford the next day.
Piker was also expected to appear at the London event. Responding to the decision, he criticized Western governments in a social media post, writing that the “West is betraying ‘liberal values’ for a genocidal fascist foreign government.”
Both commentators have repeatedly referred to Israel’s military operations in Gaza against Hamas as “genocide.”
The decision has drawn criticism from political figures within the UK. Green Party co-leader Zack Polanski accused the government of “doing everything possible to silence criticism of the Israeli Government.”
The controversy follows another high-profile case involving pro-Palestinian activism. Earlier this month, four members of the Palestine Action group were found guilty over their involvement in a 2024 operation targeting a defense facility linked to Israel in the city of Bristol. Sentencing in the case is expected to take place later in June, according to reports.
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