• Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, denied entry to the UK for a second time in two months.
• The UK Home Office cited Malema's support for Hamas and violent rhetoric as reasons for the refusal.
• The denial is seen as a move to stifle dissent and has sparked controversy over free speech.

South African politician Julius Malema has been barred from entering the United Kingdom for a second time, with the UK Home Office declaring that his presence would be "non-conducive to the public good." This decision highlights ongoing concerns about his controversial political rhetoric and support for Hamas, particularly following attacks on Israel last October. Malema, who leads the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), reportedly stated that his party would arm Hamas if it came to power, prompting the UK government to deem his admission "undesirable," according to BBC and Africanews.

The UK government's stance on Malema's entry aligns with concerns expressed domestically about his incendiary rhetoric, including past comments threatening violence against white South Africans. His EFF party condemned the UK decision as "cowardice," asserting it aims to suppress democratic debate in South Africa. This latest denial marks a significant diplomatic moment and may further strain UK-South Africa relations, according to AllAfrica and Africanews.

Authorities previously denied Malema entry due to a late visa application, a situation he criticized as politically motivated. He described the current denial as a blatant effort to silence views contrary to Western narratives. A spokesperson for the UK Home Office reiterated that while Malema's inflammatory rhetoric poses concerns, the specific reasons for the refusal have not been publicly detailed for privacy reasons, as noted by BBC and Africanews.

This incident comes amid Malema's plans to attend significant political events in the UK, where his presence was anticipated by various political factions. His previous visa denial in May was received just hours before his scheduled departure, an issue attributed to procedural delays. Observers continue to debate the implications of the UK's stance on such controversial figures within the context of free speech and political dissent, according to AllAfrica.