Free speech activists condemn UK entry ban for Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur
The UK government has banned two leftwing US commentators, Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, from entering the country for speaking engagements. Free speech activists have condemned the decision, arguing it undermines freedom of expression. The Home Office stated the ban was due to concerns that their presence may not be conducive to the public good.
- ▪Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker were scheduled to speak at SXSW London and other events.
- ▪The UK Home Office canceled their electronic travel authorizations, citing public good concerns.
- ▪Activists have criticized the bans as a failure to protect freedom of speech.
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Hasan Piker said the UK had revoked his visa. Photograph: Philip Cheung/The GuardianView image in fullscreenHasan Piker said the UK had revoked his visa. Photograph: Philip Cheung/The GuardianDigital mediaFree speech activists condemn UK entry ban for two leftwing US commentatorsCenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, who have both been accused of propagating antisemitism, barred from visiting for eventKevin Rawlinson and Isaaq TomkinsMon 1 Jun 2026 09.03 EDTFirst published on Mon 1 Jun 2026 04.09 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe UK is failing to protect freedom of speech, prominent activists have said, after the government banned two leftwing US political commentators from entering the country to attend speaking engagements.Cenk Uygur, the host of the Young Turks online political talkshow,…
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