UK Denies Entry to 2 U.S. Commentators Ahead of SXSW London
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 1
UK Denies Entry to 2 U.S. Commentators Ahead of SXSW London
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 1
Summary
Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker were blocked from entering Britain after the Home Office revoked their travel clearance, likely preventing them from attending SXSW London, which starts Monday.
The government said their presence was "not conducive to the public good," citing an assessment that they could pose risks to UK society.
Officials and supporters of the move pointed to Piker's past remarks backing Hamas and his 2019 "America deserved 9/11" comment, while Uygur has called Israel's actions in Gaza "barbaric."
The Community Security Trust had urged organizers to drop Piker, while Labour MP David Taylor praised the ban; critics including journalist Ash Sarkar said the government was suppressing pro-Palestinian voices.
Both men say they were punished for criticizing Israel, and organizers indicated remote appearances may still be possible even if visa reviews do not come in time.