Free speech activist groups criticise UK entry bans for Uygur and Piker
The UK government has cancelled the electronic travel authorisations for two US political commentators, preventing them from entering the country for speaking engagements. Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker were scheduled to appear at SXSW London, and Uygur also had a planned talk at the University of Oxford. The Home Office stated that their presence “may not be conducive to the public good”. Several free speech and civil liberties organisations have criticised the decision, saying it threatens freedom of expression. The bans have drawn responses from politicians and advocacy groups both within the UK and internationally.
What’s reported
The Home Office cancelled the electronic travel authorisations (ETA) for Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker.
The stated reason was that their presence in the UK “may not be conducive to the public good”.
Both men were due to appear at SXSW London; Uygur also had an event with University of Oxford students.
Uygur has been accused of propagating antisemitic tropes but insists his criticisms are limited to Israeli influence over US policy.
Piker has faced backlash for past comments, including a 2019 stream where he said “America deserved 9/11”, which he later apologised for.
Piker has stood by characterising Hamas as “1,000 times better” than Israel and saying he would vote for Hamas over Israel.
Jemimah Steinfeld, CEO of Index on Censorship, called the ban a “worrying escalation”.
Akiko Hart, director of Liberty, urged the government to be transparent about its rationale.
Labour MP David Taylor had called for Piker to be prevented from speaking.
The Community Security Trust urged SXSW organisers not to allow Piker to use the UK as a “platform”.
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green party in England and Wales, called the bans “grim”.
Aaron Terr of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said excluding speakers over political opinions is “troubling”.
Open questions
The specific evidence or reasoning behind the Home Office decision beyond the general “not conducive to the public good” statement.
Whether the decision was based purely on the individuals’ political views or on other factors.
Key figures
Cenk Uygur (host of the Young Turks)
Hasan Piker (online streamer)
Jemimah Steinfeld (CEO, Index on Censorship)
Akiko Hart (director, Liberty)
David Taylor (Labour MP)
Zack Polanski (leader, Green party in England and Wales)
Ash Sarkar (Novara Media journalist)
Aaron Terr (director of public advocacy, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression)
Arwa Elrayess (president, Oxford Union)
Community Security Trust (Jewish organisation)
Sources: The Guardian
