Australia has cancelled the visa of As-Sunnah Foundation Chairman and Islamic speaker Shaykh Ahmadullah over allegations of anti-Semitic and provocative remarks, following a similar move against Maulana Dr Mizanur Rahman Azhari.
Shaykh Ahmadullah was scheduled to speak at an event in Sydney on Saturday evening. However, he left the country early amid the controversy. His visa was later cancelled, according to a report by Australian media outlet The Sunday Telegraph.
The report said Ahmadullah was also scheduled to attend events in Canberra, Adelaide and Perth, all of which have since been cancelled.
According to The Sunday Telegraph, Ahmadullah made remarks critical of Jews in past discussions, which drew backlash. In one cited video, he allegedly made comments linking global unrest to Jewish conspiracies.
Australia’s Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said on Sunday that authorities would review the matter and take action under immigration laws where necessary.
“We will not tolerate people who spread anti-Semitism or Islamophobia,” he told Sky News, adding that visas can be cancelled if such concerns arise.
Referring to Azhari, who was deported earlier, Thistlethwaite said visas are revoked when authorities become aware of controversial statements.
Meanwhile, opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaela Cash criticised the initial approval of Ahmadullah’s visa, saying individuals who promote hate should not be allowed entry into Australia.
She also accused the government of acting only after issues come to light, adding that Australians expect stronger safeguards.
