Cenk Uygur Denounces UK Entry Ban at 56 as “Kafkaesque”
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 4
Cenk Uygur Denounces UK Entry Ban at 56 as “Kafkaesque”
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 4
Summary
Cenk Uygur said the UK’s decision to bar him from entering the country was “haunting and hilarious” and “Kafkaesque,” adding he had not been told what specific charge or threat he posed.
The Home Office canceled electronic travel authorisations for Uygur and Hasan Piker on grounds their presence might not be conducive to the public good, with reports citing fears of fuelling antisemitism and Uygur’s comments about grooming gangs.
Uygur, 56, said there was “no question” the move was tied to his criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza; both men were due at SXSW London and an Oxford Union event and will now appear virtually.
The ban has drawn criticism from Green party leader Zack Polanski and Index on Censorship, sharpening debate over how broadly Britain uses discretionary border powers to police speech by foreign visitors.