Coalition Calls for Twitch Star Hasan Piker to be Banned from Australia

Opposition Home Affairs Minister Jonathan Duniam has called for prominent Twitch streamer Hasan Piker to be barred from Australia, citing his history of controversial remarks under migration laws. Piker, a significant online political commentator, is scheduled to appear at the iStream convention in Melbourne in January 2027.

Duniam stated that Piker has made "obscene and notorious remarks about a number of sensitive issues, including the 9/11 attacks, Hamas and Israel." He questioned how Piker could have been granted a visa by the Australian government, suggesting his comments may violate the country's character test provisions. These provisions have previously been used to prevent figures like Candace Owens from entering Australia.

"Any clear-headed assessment of Piker's past record would surely have to invoke these provisions," Duniam said, arguing that the character test is designed to prevent individuals who might "vilify Australians or inflame community division."

Piker, who streams as HasanAbi, gained initial traction with The Young Turks before establishing his own large political channel on Twitch. His commentary often blends news analysis, interviews, and gaming. He has also engaged in political organizing and campaigned alongside progressive politicians.

Critics have accused Piker of making remarks supportive of groups such as Ansar Allah, known as the Houthi movement, which is classified as a terrorist organization by Australia. In January 2024, Piker interviewed a Yemeni social media figure following the hijacking of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship during Houthi operations in the Red Sea. Commentators condemned the interview for potentially downplaying the group's actions.

During a 2024 exchange with a Cambridge University student, Piker was questioned about his comments regarding Hamas and the October 7 attacks in Israel. He reportedly stated that Hamas was "a thousand times better than Israel" and that allegations of sexual violence during the attacks did not alter his broader perspective on the conflict. When asked if antisemitism motivated the October 7 attackers, Piker responded, "No."

Piker also faced scrutiny for comments about the Houthis, including praising their attacks on shipping linked to Israel and discussing vessel seizures. He also stated he did not "have an issue" with Hezbollah, despite its designation as a terrorist organization by the United States.

In a separate instance, prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Piker dismissed concerns of an imminent attack as "Western fearmongering" and suggested Crimea was effectively Russian territory, though he later apologized.

Dr. Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, echoed the calls to ban Piker, urging the government to reject any visa application. He referenced past decisions by Minister Burke to ban individuals like Candace Owens and Kanye West for spreading hate, quoting the minister as saying, "Inciting discord might be the way some people make money, but it's not welcome in Australia."

"Same rule. Same Minister. Same answer. Ban him," Abramovich stated. "Nine months after Bondi, this country has had enough Jewish funerals. We will not book another one. He says Hamas over Israel every single time. Then Australia over Piker every single time. Refuse the visa."

In June 2026, the British Home Office barred both Piker and his uncle, Cenk Uygur, from entering the United Kingdom. Australia's Department of Home Affairs, iStream, and Piker's representatives were contacted by the Daily Mail for comment.