Britain refused to let South African politician Julius Malema enter the country. Officials said his presence would harm public safety and called him undesirable. The UK government pointed to his support for Hamas after attacks on October 7th. They also mentioned his speeches about arming the group if his party gained power.
British authorities cited statements Malema made about violence against white people. The Economic Freedom Fighters leader has sung songs with lyrics about killing farmers. South African courts ruled these protest songs do not count as hate speech. Judges said reasonable people understand the words are not meant literally.
This marks the second time in two months Britain has blocked Malema from visiting. His party called the decision cowardly and said it hurts democratic discussion. The EFF claims Britain twisted his words about economic frustration among black South Africans. Malema wants to take white-owned land and give it to black citizens.
The politician leads a party that finished fourth in recent elections with less than 10 percent of votes. His supporters are mostly young people who want faster change on racial inequality. South Africa has 33 percent unemployment with black people suffering the most. Malema criticizes what he calls Western imperialism and fights against colonial legacies.
British authorities cited statements Malema made about violence against white people. The Economic Freedom Fighters leader has sung songs with lyrics about killing farmers. South African courts ruled these protest songs do not count as hate speech. Judges said reasonable people understand the words are not meant literally.
This marks the second time in two months Britain has blocked Malema from visiting. His party called the decision cowardly and said it hurts democratic discussion. The EFF claims Britain twisted his words about economic frustration among black South Africans. Malema wants to take white-owned land and give it to black citizens.
The politician leads a party that finished fourth in recent elections with less than 10 percent of votes. His supporters are mostly young people who want faster change on racial inequality. South Africa has 33 percent unemployment with black people suffering the most. Malema criticizes what he calls Western imperialism and fights against colonial legacies.
