A decision to grant a visa to far-right commentator Katie Hopkins is reportedly under investigation by the nation’s human right watchdog. (Supplied)
Camera IconA decision to grant a visa to far-right commentator Katie Hopkins is reportedly under investigation by the nation’s human right watchdog. (Supplied) Credit: Supplied

Decision to grant Katie Hopkins a visa referred to human rights watchdog

Courtney GouldNCA NewsWire

A decision to grant a visa to far-right commentator Katie Hopkins is reportedly under investigation by the nation’s human right watchdog.

The Australian Human Rights Commision this week agreed to investigate the decision following a complaint from the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

In its complaint, an AMAN spokerson alleged Ms Hopkins views were given more weight than the human rights of other Australians.

Katie Hopkins was deported after breaches in hotel quarantine. Supplied
Camera IconKatie Hopkins was deported after breaches in hotel quarantine. Supplied Credit: Supplied

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“It can be reasonably inferred from this statement that Ms Hopkins’ freedom of expression, and those who would agree with her in Australia, was given more weight than the human rights of Australians who would be adversely affected by vilification,” they said.

The British provocateur was last year granted a visa to appear in Seven‘s Big Brother VIP, arriving in the country while Sydney was in the midst of their second wave.

She was also granted a travel exemption to enter the country, prompting fury of many Australians stuck abroad.

But after bragging about reckless behaviour throughout her stint in hotel quarantine, Ms Hopkins’ visa was cancelled.

KAREN ANDREWS MP
Camera IconThe Home Affairs Minister said Ms Hopkins behaviour was appalling. NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage Credit: News Corp Australia

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews condemned her actions at the time as “absolutely appalling”.

“I am very happy that this individual is going to be out of this country as soon as possible,“ she said.”

Ms Hopkins was fired from her UK radio show after calling for a “final solution” following the Manchester Arena bombing, and has compared migrants to cockroaches.

In 2020, her Twitter account was permanently suspended for violations of the platform‘s hateful conduct policy.