Convicted leaker Chelsea Manning has been banned from Australia according to Fox News, cutting short Manning’s planned speaking tour of the country before it even began.
Australian authorities reportedly informed Manning’s team and the team at Think Inc., which was organizing Manning’s tour, that government officials have no intention of allowing Manning to enter the country legally.
Think Inc. says they’ve presented “at least ten letters” testifying to Manning’s good character and that they’ve already lined up supporters in Australia to help lobby for Manning’s cause, but the Australian government doesn’t appear to be budging.
“Ms. Manning offers formidable ideas and an insightful perspective which we are hoping to bring to the forefront of Australian dialogue,” Think Inc.’s director said in a statement to media about the issue.
Unfortunately for Manning, the decision whether to allow in a convicted felon isn’t up for debate. Australia has a “migration act” that requires non-Australian visitors to show proof of good character based on whether they meet a series of objective qualifications. Anyone with a felony conviction within the last decade where the sentence is more than one year in prison doesn’t qualify to visit Australia, which means Manning is likely out of luck.
Manning is scheduled to speak at the Sydney Opera House as part of a three-city tour. Manning will then move on to New Zealand, which has not yet commented on whether they’ll welcome Manning with open arms.
According to Fox News, this isn’t the first time Manning has had trouble visiting foreign countries. Canada also has character and fitness requirements for travel and denied Manning entry last year.