New Zealand U-turn on Mike Tyson visa

New Zealand has revoked an entry visa for former heavyweight boxing champion and convicted rapist Mike Tyson.

The 46-year-old had been due to appear at an event in November. However the charity which had invited him to the country dropped its support.

Under the Pacific nation’s immigration laws an exception needed to be made because of his criminal record, which was originally granted by the Associate Minister for Immigration, Kate Wilkinson. She later defended her decision to reverse the boxer’s entry into the country.

New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key said: “It’s a decision for her, but I think she’s made the right decision on the basis of the fact the (charity involved) ‘Life Education Trust’ has withdrawn its support.”

Tyson’s planned visit had been heavily criticised by women’s groups because of the three years he served in prison for a 1991 rape he committed in the United States.

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