Australia walks back 'racist' India ban after backlash

Scott Morrison

Australia's prime minister fended off accusations of racism and having blood on his hands Tuesday, as he retreated from a threat to jail Australians trying to escape Covid-wracked India. Scott Morrison's government moved to ban travellers from India from entering Australia until May 15, threatening rule-breakers -- including Australian citizens -- with prison time. Amid a widespread backlash, Morrison on Tuesday said it was ‘highly unlikely’ that Australians who skirted a ban would be jailed. ‘I think the likelihood of any of that occurring is pretty much zero,’ Morrison said in a breakfast-time media blitz on Tuesday.