![Muslim scholar and motivational speaker Hussain Makke. [X/@HMakke91]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4bCvkJwx_400x400-1-1.jpg?fit=1067%2C800&ssl=1)
Australia has revoked the visa of Muslim scholar and motivational speaker Hussain Makke just days before his scheduled speaking tour in Melbourne and Sydney at the Miraj Institute during the holy month of Ramadan. The cancellation followed intense media scrutiny, particularly from Sky News Australia, which highlighted Makke’s pro-resistance views and his attendance at Hezbollah funeral processions in Lebanon.
Sky News journalist Sharri Markson led the charge, accusing Makke of spreading “dangerous views”. She criticised Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for initially approving his visa. Opposition figures, including Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson, also demanded immediate action. “No one who praises a deceased terrorist, let alone attends the funeral organised by a listed terrorist organisation, should be welcome in Australia,” Paterson told Sky News.
Sky news ran a smear campaign against me today to get me banned from Australia.
Zionist accounts are currently tweeting MP Tony Burke under this tweet to pressure him into rescinding my Visa. If you would like defend against this attack on free speech and oppressive censorship -… https://t.co/nOEgFUCnZ7 pic.twitter.com/yAvWg5YQ8m
— Hussain Makke (@HMakke91) March 6, 2025
Makke, who had announced his upcoming visit in a video from Lebanon, responded to the cancellation by accusing the outlet of orchestrating a smear campaign. He also claimed “Zionist accounts” pressured Burke into reversing the decision and urged his supporters to protest online.
The move comes amid a broader crackdown on political expression linked to Hezbollah. In the UK, British sociologist David Miller was recently detained at Heathrow Airport under the Terrorism Act after covering the massive funeral of assassinated Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon, including the movement’s late former Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. He was questioned for over three hours before being released.
What just happened in Beirut during Sayed Nasrallah’s burial was a victory parade as much as it was a funeral.
— Hussain Makke (@HMakke91) February 24, 2025
Burke initially refused to comment on Makke’s visa status, but by today, Sky News confirmed the Home Affairs Department had officially revoked it.
British-born Makke graduated with a degree in journalism and later earned an MA in Religions and Global Politics before relocating to Lebanon to pursue classical Islamic studies at a seminary, where he has resided since. Makke specialises in Islamic sciences and is involved in media work. MEMO has reached out to Makke for comment.
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