UK Denies Entry to Political Streamers Piker and Uygur for Public Events Amid Gaza War Comments]

UK Denies Entry to Political Streamers Piker and Uygur for Public Events Amid Gaza War Comments]

British authorities blocked Turkish-American online streamer Hasan Piker and political commentator Cenk Uygur from entering the U.K. for public events, citing concerns about their potential impact on society.

The Home Office cancelled the electronic travel authorizations for Piker and Uygur—uncle and nephew who both criticize Israeli policies—stating their presence was “not conducive to the public good.”

Piker, who has 2.8 million followers on Twitch and frequently criticizes former U.S. President Donald Trump, Israel and the war in Gaza, was scheduled to appear at SXSW London, a culture and technology festival. Uygur, host of the “Young Turks” political talk show, was set to speak at the Oxford Union.

“Decisions to refuse or cancel an ETA on these grounds are based solely on an assessment of the potential risk an individual may pose to U.K. society,” the Home Office said.

Piker expressed frustration on social media, telling his YouTube channel: “A sad state of affairs where obviously the interests of Israel take the highest priority.”

Uygur wrote on X: “I’ve been banned for criticizing Israel. Are we free anymore?”

Piker has faced scrutiny over comments regarding Hamas, designated a terrorist organization in the U.K. and U.S. In April, he told the “Pod Save America” podcast: “I’m a harm-reduction voter, I’m a lesser evil voter, and therefore I would vote for Hamas over Israel every single time.”

This decision follows the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and sparked the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have resulted in over 72,800 Palestinian deaths according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Labour lawmaker David Taylor supported blocking Piker, stating there was “no reason we should open our doors to those who seek to spread hate and division.” Conversely, Green Party leader Zack Polaski accused the government of attempting to “silence criticism of the Israeli government.”

The ban echoes a previous decision in April when rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) was barred from entering the U.K. ahead of the Wireless Festival due to antisemitic remarks. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized at the time that his government “stands firmly with the Jewish community.”

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