This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
On January 6, 2022, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denounced what he called a 'political witch hunt' against tennis star Novak Djokovic, who was denied entry into Australia due to stringent pandemic entry requirements.
According to reports, Djokovic, the world number one, was detained on arrival at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport after failing to provide appropriate evidence of double vaccination or a medical exemption.
Despite being granted a medical exemption by the Australian Open organisers, Djokovic was not allowed to enter the country, sparking outrage from the Serbian government.
"What is not fair-play is the political witch hunt (being conducted against Novak), by everybody including the Australian Prime Minister pretending that the rules apply to all," Vucic told the media.
The Serbian government has since contacted the Australian ambassador twice, and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic will be in touch with a senior member of Australia's Home Affairs department to request that Djokovic be allowed to stay in the house he had rented for the Australian Open while his appeal is heard.
