[Greens-Media] Government appears to be sabotaging Dr Atwan's visit

[Bolwell, Kristian (Sen K. Nettle)]

Government appears to be 
sabotaging Dr Atwan's visit

13.09.07

The government appears to be deliberately delaying a decision on a visa
for Dr Abdel Bari Atwan in order to sabotage his visit to Australia,
Greens Senator Kerry Nettle said today.

"Department of Immigration figures reveal that many permanent visas to
Australia are resolved in as little as two weeks, so it's difficult to
see why Dr Atwan's short stay visa is taking four weeks and counting."
Senator Nettle said. 

"In question time today Senator Ellison, answering questions by Senator
Nettle still refused to give reasons for the delay in Dr Atwan's visa,
despite the embarrassment this decision is causing the Government.

"Dr Atwan  has visited America many times and has never been denied a
visa for visiting any country," Senator Nettle said today.

"Is the government trying to avoid criticism of its support for war in
Iraq?"

Arabic newspaper editor and writer on terrorism Dr Abdel Atwan has been
prevented from visiting Australia for the Brisbane Writers Festival. 

"Minister Andrews can decide to issue Dr Atwan's visa at any time. He
should do so today."

NB Visa processing data from the Immigration Department is available on
request. 

For more information: Kristian Bolwell 0411 63 83 20