Latest news with #Lalor
ABC News
3 days ago
- ABC News
Murder charge laid over Joshua Bishop's disappearance
Joshua Bishop was last seen by his housemates at their Lalor Crescent property on May 27. (Supplied: Victoria Police) ( Supplied: Victoria Police )
Middle East Eye
7 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Australia cricketer Usman Khawaja boycotts radio station that sacked pro-Gaza journalist
Prominent Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has boycotted sports radio station SEN after it sacked journalist Peter Lalor for his outspoken support of Palestinian human rights. Khawaja refused an interview with SEN after the first day of Australia's first test match against the West Indies in Barbados. He was seen approaching two SEN broadcasters off the field of play, before spotting the SEN branding on their microphone, raising a hand at them and walking away. Khawaja, who has been an Australian international cricketer since 2011, has regularly criticised Israel's war on Gaza in public. In February, Lalor's freelance job with SEN's cricket commentary team was cancelled after station chief Craig Hutchison claimed his pro-Palestinian social media posts were distressing to Jewish Australians. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters After he was sacked, Lalor said: "I have friends who are frightened and have heard the fear in their voices during conversations. "It is an awful situation. But so is Gaza." Khawaja criticised the decision at the time, saying: "Standing up for the people of Gaza is not antisemitic, nor does it have anything to do with my Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, but everything to do with the Israeli government and their deplorable actions. Cricket journalist axed over Gaza views on social media, sparking backlash Read More » "It has everything to do with justice and human rights." Khawaja has not commented on why he declined an interview with SEN. Lalor said: "Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate." In December 2023, during a training session, Khawaja was seen with the phrases "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal" written on his boots in the colours of the Palestinian flag. "The ICC [International Cricket Council] have told me I can't wear my shoes on the field because they believe it's a political statement under their guidelines," Khawaja said at the time. "I don't believe in this though. It's a humanitarian appeal. I will respect their view and decision, but I will fight it and seek to get an approval. "Freedom is a human right."
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Israel-Palestine war: Australia cricketer Usman Khawaja boycotts media outlet - here's why
Australian cricketer refused to participate in a post-game interview with sports media outlet SEN after day one of the first Test against the West Indies in the Caribbean, following SEN's controversial dismissal of journalist Peter Lalor earlier this year for posting about the Gaza conflict on social media. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Khawaja, who scored 47 runs in Australia's first innings total of 180 in Bridgetown, declined to speak when he spotted an SEN microphone, informing reporters Adam Collins and Bharat Sundaresan of his decision. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. Lalor, who was fired by SEN during a Test match in Galle after sharing tweets about Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian prisoners while covering Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in February, expressed his appreciation for Khawaja's support. "Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate," Lalor stated. Khawaja has been vocal about issues, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza. He wore a black armband during the first Test in Perth and attempted to wear shoes with messages supporting human rights before being stopped by cricket authorities. The cricketer was prevented by Cricket Australia and the ICC from displaying messages reading "freedom is a human right" and "all lives matter" on his shoes during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the MCG. "It's just a little bit disappointing. I don't really see the controversy of [saying] all lives matter and saying freedom is a human right," Khawaja said about the shoe incident. "I don't see where it becomes political ... I find it hard to accept where people find what I said distasteful. It makes me feel a little bit uneasy that people find those words uneasy." "It's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for, I guess... I'll always stand up for what I believe in, even if people don't agree with me or don't like me saying it." "I want to look back on my career and say, look, I stood up for my values, I respect what I did on the field, but I also respect myself for what I did off the field... that means more to me."
Sky News AU
7 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Australian opener Usman Khawaja refuses to speak to SEN during West Indies test after Peter Lalor's pro-Palestine sacking
Veteran cricketer Usman Khawaja has rejected an interview with SEN in protest against the network's sacking of cricket journalist Peter Lalor. Khawaja walked away from a scheduled prerecorded interview with SEN following a disappointing start for Australia's top order in the first Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown. After the 38-year-old left the field it is understood he informed SEN commentators Adam Collins and Bharat Sundaresan he would not be talking to them or anyone under their network. Khawaja's decision was fuelled by the network's decision to sack Lalor in February, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. In February of this year Lalor was working in Sri Lanka covering Australia's Test match in Galle for SEN, when he was informed by the network's chief executive Craig Hutchison that his services were no longer required. Following the October 7 attacks, Lalor posted a series of tweets and retweets on X about the Gaza conflict. The network took exception to his social media activity, leading to his dismissal as his views and comments made listeners feel 'uncomfortable'. Hutchinson said in a statement Lalor would leave SEN due to 'differing views' and the impact he could have on members of the Australian community. Khawaja was vocal in the network's controversial decision. 'Standing up for the people of Gaza is not antisemitic nor does it have anything to do with my Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, but everything to do with the Israeli government and their deplorable actions,' Khawaja said at the time. 'It has everything to do with justice and human rights. 'Unfortunately, hatred towards the Jewish and Muslim community will always exist. 'Pete is a good guy with a good heart. He deserves better.' Lalor who is in the West Indies working for his Cricket Et Al podcast said 'Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate.' Khawaja has been vocal in where he stands in the Israel/Gaza conflict. He planned to wear shoes pictured saying 'freedom is human right' and 'all lives are equal', written in the colours of the Palestinian flag prior to the 2023 Perth Test match against Pakistan. The International Cricket Council blocked him from wearing the shoes. Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells endorsed Khawaja's decision to don the supportive shoes and called on authorities not to punish him. 'As federal Sport Minister I have always advocated for athletes having the right to a voice and to speak up on matters important to them,' she said at the time. 'Usman Khawaja is a great athlete and a great Australian. He should have every right to speak up on matters that are important to him.'
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Usman Khawaja declines interview with Australian radio in protest of journalist's sacking for pro-Gaza post; CA react
Usman Khawaja declined an interview with Australian broadcasters SEN Radio, in a quiet but pointed protest against the station's controversial sacking of veteran cricket journalist Peter Lalor earlier this year. Australia's Usman Khawaja walks off the field(AP) According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Khawaja, who scored a steady 47 runs on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies at Kensington Oval, was approached after stumps by team media manager Cole Hitchcock to record an interview with SEN commentators Adam Collins and Bharat Sundaresan. However, Khawaja respectfully declined, telling the broadcasters he would not be participating. The situation said the decision stemmed from Khawaja's objection to Lalor's abrupt removal from SEN's cricket coverage in February 2025, during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka. Lalor's dismissal reportedly followed internal concerns over his social media activity, which included reposts highlighting Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The move drew criticism at the time, including from Khawaja, who publicly defended Lalor via Instagram, writing: 'Standing up for the people of Gaza is not antisemitic nor does it have anything to do with my Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, but everything to do with the Israeli government and their deplorable actions... Pete is a good guy with a good heart. He deserves better.' Khawaja's decision not to speak with SEN on Wednesday is seen as a continuation of that stand. While declining the interview, he is understood to have apologised directly to Collins and Sundaresan, making it clear his issue was not with the commentators themselves but with the network's handling of Lalor's departure. Khawaja won't face any action from Cricket Australia The report adds that Khawaja is unlikely to face any vacation from Cricket Australia (CA) as Media obligations during a match or immediately after play are optional, and players are permitted to decline them at their discretion. Lalor, who is currently covering the series for Cricket Et Al, expressed gratitude for the gesture. 'Usman is a man of principle whose support I valued greatly when I was dismissed and whose ongoing support I appreciate,' Lalor said in a statement. In a detailed post earlier this year, Lalor revealed the circumstances surrounding his dismissal, stating that SEN CEO Craig Hutchison told him his social media activity had drawn complaints and that some listeners felt 'unsafe' hearing his voice on air. 'I was told there were accusations I was antisemitic, which I strongly objected to,' Lalor wrote. 'I said I didn't want anyone to feel unsafe. Of course I care... But so is Gaza. It's an awful situation.' Hutchison was present at the ground in Barbados on day one, hosting sponsors, but has not commented publicly on Khawaja's protest. SEN is the only Australian broadcaster covering the West Indies tour on the ground, with ABC Radio absent from the Caribbean for this series.
