Far-left South African leader Julius Malema says UK officials denied him a visa to speak at Cambridge University. He received a rejection letter at Johannesburg airport as he prepared to fly to London. The Economic Freedom Fighters party head claims authorities tried to silence his political views. British officials told his party they failed to process his application because of recent national holidays.
Malema often criticizes Western nations for their past colonial actions. He has demanded that the UK pay money to African countries for historical wrongs. He also supports Russia in the Ukraine war. The outspoken politician believes Western countries help fund what he calls Israeli attacks against Palestinians in Gaza.
UK authorities previously blocked Nelson Mandela's grandson from entering Britain last October. They refused Mandla Mandela entry because he backed Hamas, which Britain labels a terrorist group. Officials said his presence would harm public welfare. Malema had planned to address students at an Africa-themed campus event this Saturday.
Malema often criticizes Western nations for their past colonial actions. He has demanded that the UK pay money to African countries for historical wrongs. He also supports Russia in the Ukraine war. The outspoken politician believes Western countries help fund what he calls Israeli attacks against Palestinians in Gaza.
UK authorities previously blocked Nelson Mandela's grandson from entering Britain last October. They refused Mandla Mandela entry because he backed Hamas, which Britain labels a terrorist group. Officials said his presence would harm public welfare. Malema had planned to address students at an Africa-themed campus event this Saturday.
