I haven't delivered any speech in Australia: Mizanur Rahman Azhari on visa cancellation

Popular Islamic scholar and speaker Dr. Mizanur Rahman Azhari has clarified his position regarding misleading reports circulating about his visit to Australia.

He stated that he has been in Australia for the past five days at the invitation of the Muslim community there.

Azhari said the news that spread regarding his visit is the result of a misinterpretation of a foreign report. Specifically, he refuted claims that his visa was cancelled due to any recent speech, calling such allegations completely false.

He pointed out that the matter is easily verifiable by journalists, noting that he has not yet delivered any speech in Australia, so there is no basis for such accusations.

He alleged that pressure or influence surrounding speakers' visits in various countries is not uncommon, and something similar has happened in his case. He claimed that certain vested groups and factions have deliberately presented old and isolated statements out of context in an attempt to influence administrative decisions.

Azhari further mentioned that a similar video led to obstacles during his visit to the United Kingdom several years ago.

Finally, he stated that he believes in communal harmony and peaceful religious coexistence, which he said is clearly reflected in his various discussions and speeches.

Earlier, various media outlets in the country, citing British newspaper Daily Mail, reported that Australia had cancelled Azhari's visa and asked him to leave the country due to his criticism of Jews.

The report stated that this action was taken against him for allegedly criticizing Jews and describing Adolf Hitler as a "punishment from God." Azhari's Australian visa was reportedly cancelled on Tuesday, and he is currently in the process of being repatriated home.

Azhari traveled to Australia to participate in a lecture series titled "Legacy of Faith" and was scheduled to speak in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra.

Australian Liberal Party Senator Jonathan Duniam said that various community organizations had previously expressed concerns to the government about Azhari's visit. In his opinion, Azhari's past statements show a tendency to spread hatred and division.

The report further stated that in a 2023 speech in the United States, Azhari presented various conspiracy theories against Jews and made controversial remarks about the Holocaust. Additionally, he has been accused of making inflammatory comments against Jews.

Previously, Azhari's visa was also cancelled in the United Kingdom. Various Australian organizations had warned that his speeches could increase religious tension and incite extremist ideology, following which the Australian government decided to cancel his visa.