“I don’t agree with caging refugees,I don’t agree with caging Novak,and I don’t agree with … tyranny.”
Members of the Serbian community waved flags,sang,and danced to patriotic songs outside the hotel,with one woman on a megaphone yelling “free Novak”.
The woman mentioned it was Orthodox Christmas,which Djokovic’s family celebrates.
“He hasn’t done anything wrong,” she said.
Some Djokovic supporters said they had put their Orthodox Christmas celebrations on hold to come down with family and show their support,others marked the occasion by handing out religious images of saints,the Virgin Mary,and Jesus surrounded by golden motifs.
Most vowed to continue protesting outside the hotel until the tennis pro is released from detention.
One woman who did not want her name published said she would return daily. “He is more than a tennis player,” she said. “He is our idol.”
Earlier a man using a megaphone outside the hotel urged people to “hold the line” and defend freedom and liberty.
Standing opposite the hotel,he said:“How are the unvaccinated affecting the vaccinated?”
“Novak Djokovic is just a representation of the disgruntled[feelings] of Australians. Does Novak have a choice?”
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Earlier on Friday,Djokovic’s wife,Jelena Djokovic,posted a message of support to Instagram saying her “wishes are for everyone to be healthy,happy,safe and together with families”.
“We wish we are all together today,but my consolation is that at least we are healthy. And we will grow from this experience,” she said.
“Thank you dear people,all around the world for using your voice to send love to my husband. I am taking a deep breath to calm down and find gratitude (and understanding) in this moment for all that is happening.
“The only law that we should all respect across every single border is love and respect for another human being. Love and forgiveness is never a mistake but a powerful force.”
The leader of the Serbian Orthodox Church,His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije,sent a Christmas message to Djokovic.
“Dear Nole,only a pale shadow will remain from the troubles and temptations you are going through on Christmas Day,a day of pure joy,” his message on Instagram said.
“God is great and you know who you are as you grew up with the sound of bells from the Nemanjic family[Serbian dynasty in the Middle Ages] endowments. Millions of Orthodox Serbs are praying for you,like they are praying for us.”
Wishing Djokovic a Merry Christmas,Patriarch Porfirije said:“May the imperishable love and warmth of the Bethlehem cave warm and strengthen your heart and soul.”
Meanwhile,refugee advocates hope Novak Djokovic’s detention in the Melbourne immigration facility will shine a light on the plight of the asylum seekers long held there.
Djokovic’s bid for a 10th Australian Open title and world record 21st grand slam crown was derailed Thursday morning when Australian Border Force cancelled his visa,finding he had “failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia”,a decision apparently tied to his vaccination status.
He was taken to the Park Hotel,immediately launching a legal challenge against the decision.
The drama made international headlines,with the Djokovic family launching astinging tirade against Australian authorities,while supporters of the tennis star protested outside the Carlton venue,and also provided a platform for refugee activists.
Dozens of asylum seekers have been detained at the Park Hotel in recent months while they fight for release.
In October last year,lawyers argued the facility wasunfit to house asylum seekers because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Amnesty International national campaign manager Shankar Kasynathan joined other activists outside the hotel on Friday morning.
“Many of us are here today because we recognise the importance of the fact that in this place … there is situation where the world is watching at this point because we have one of the world’s most celebrated athletes under the same roof as the world’s most vulnerable people,namely refugees,” Mr Kasynathan said.
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“Tens of thousands of Australians have been calling on the government to end this cruelty. The New Zealand deal has been on the table;we could today,get these men out of here and[resettled in the Australian community or in New Zealand].
“We hope that Novak Djokovic will use his influence,his support base … to potentially put pressure on[Home Affairs Minister] Karen Andrews and the Australian government to end this senseless cruelty when there are viable solutions to get these men out of here.”
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