Drew Pavlou

Pavlou's family, who are Greek Cypriots from the Larnaca District of Cyprus, migrated to Australia in the 1960s to open a number of hospitality and retail shops on the Gold Coast in Queensland.{{Cite web|last=Antonopoulos|first=Paul|date=2020-04-17|title=Greek-Australian Student Faces Expulsion From University Of Queensland For China Criticisms|url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/04/17/greek-australian-student-faces-expulsion-from-university-of-queensland-for-china-criticisms/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420204150/https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/04/17/greek-australian-student-faces-expulsion-from-university-of-queensland-for-china-criticisms/ |archive-date=20 April 2020 |access-date=2020-09-10|website=Greek City Times|language=en-US|quote=Greek-Australian student, Drew Pavlou, is facing a University of Queensland disciplinary hearing on April 27, where university administrators will likely expel the philosophy student....The student also revealed to Greek City Times that his family hailed from Larnaca in Cyprus' south coast and that he had revolutionary heritage with his grandmother's brother becoming a martyr as an EOKA fighter against British occupation. With a martyr in his family, it can be seen why he feels passionate to ardently defend a cause he believes in.}}{{Cite web|last=Condon|first=Matthew|date=30 May 2020|title=The boy who kicked the hornet's nest|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-australian-magazine/how-drew-pavlous-university-of-queensland-protest-enraged-china-and-started-a-free-speech-battle/news-story/82f5fd86413844c724e64322b11abb69|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831000030/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fweekend-australian-magazine%2Fhow-drew-pavlous-university-of-queensland-protest-enraged-china-and-started-a-free-speech-battle%2Fnews-story%2F82f5fd86413844c724e64322b11abb69&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=72f4f948bb23a35536b9a3e3afc08a08-1598832030|archive-date=31 August 2020|access-date=|website=The Australian|quote=Drew's paternal grandparents migrated in the 1960s and carried the surname Themistocles to Australia before changing it to Pavlou. A Greek Cypriot family used to hard work and enterprise, they soon made their way, starting fruit-and-veg shops, hairdressing salons and a restaurant on the Gold Coast, where Drew was born to father Nick and mother Vanessa in 1999.|url-status=live}} His grandmother's brother was a guerrilla with Greek nationalist organisation EOKA, and was killed during the Cyprus Emergency. Pavlou was born on 4 June 1999.{{Cite news |last=萧雨 |date=2020-04-23 |title=受开除威胁的澳洲大学生：我会是共产党永远的批评者 |url=https://www.voachinese.com/a/australian-student-activist-why-i-will-always-be-a-strong-critic-to-beijing-20200422/5387043.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317194345/https://www.voachinese.com/a/australian-student-activist-why-i-will-always-be-a-strong-critic-to-beijing-20200422/5387043.html |archive-date=17 March 2021 |access-date=2024-07-13 |work=Voice of America}} When he was two years old, his family moved to Brisbane, where he later completed high school at Villanova College.{{Cite news|last=Condon|first=Matthew|date=30 May 2020|title=The boy who kicked the hornet's nest|work=The Australian|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-australian-magazine/how-drew-pavlous-university-of-queensland-protest-enraged-china-and-started-a-free-speech-battle/news-story/82f5fd86413844c724e64322b11abb69|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831000030/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fweekend-australian-magazine%2Fhow-drew-pavlous-university-of-queensland-protest-enraged-china-and-started-a-free-speech-battle%2Fnews-story%2F82f5fd86413844c724e64322b11abb69&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=72f4f948bb23a35536b9a3e3afc08a08-1598832030|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}} Pavlou was then admitted to the University of Queensland where he was studying for a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy before his suspension.{{Cite web|last=Haupt|first=Epiphanie (Pippa)|date=7 May 2020|title=FEATURE: Drew Pavlou – Kicking Shins During COVID-19|work=e. haupt |url=https://epiphaniehaupt.com/2020/05/07/feature-drew-pavlou-kicking-shins-during-covid-19/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511110050/https://epiphaniehaupt.com/2020/05/07/feature-drew-pavlou-kicking-shins-during-covid-19/ |archive-date=11 May 2020 |access-date=|quote=Drew is 20, a Brisbane native, and is completing his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy.}} In 2023, he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

In July 2019, during the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests, Pavlou organised a protest at the University of Queensland in support of the Hong Kong democracy movement. He has alleged that he was assaulted twice during clashes with counter-protestors who were supporting the Chinese Government.{{cite news|last1=Roberts|first1=George|date=10 August 2020|title=University of Queensland holds hearing behind closed doors to consider expulsion of student involved in China protest actions|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-20/student-drew-pavlou-university-of-queensland-expulsion-hearing/12263890|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=20 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520215230/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-20/student-drew-pavlou-university-of-queensland-expulsion-hearing/12263890|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Doherty |first1=Ben |title=Queensland student sues Chinese consul general, alleging he incited death threats |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/23/queensland-student-sues-chinese-consul-general-alleging-he-incited-death-threats |access-date=20 May 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=23 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023044857/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/23/queensland-student-sues-chinese-consul-general-alleging-he-incited-death-threats |archive-date=23 October 2019 |url-status=live }} The counter-protesters were in the hundreds and had shouted pro-Beijing slogans and played China's national anthem over loudspeakers. Covering the incident, the LA Times wrote: "Things quickly turned violent. A man in the crowd rushed at Pavlou, snatching his megaphone. A second man shoved him. In the ensuing scuffles, one student from Hong Kong was tackled and grabbed by the throat; another had her shirt ripped open."{{cite news|last1=Bengali|first1=Shashank|date=21 December 2020|title=An Australian student denounced his university's ties to China. Then he became a target|newspaper=LA Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-12-21/student-australia-china-xi-jinping-uighurs-muslims|access-date=13 February 2023}} Brisbane-based Chinese Consular-General and adjunct professor at UQ, Xu Jie, responded to the protests by condoning counter-protestors for "self-motivated patriotic behaviour" and condemning the protest as "anti-China separatist activities". Pavlou responded by alleging Xu Jie was inciting violence and issuing a death threat, a claim which was rejected by the Chinese embassy in Canberra. The Magistrates Court rejected the application for a case before it was heard at trial, citing international diplomatic immunity laws.{{Cite news|last=Doherty|first=Ben|date=23 October 2019|title=Queensland student sues Chinese consul general, alleging he incited death threats|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/23/queensland-student-sues-chinese-consul-general-alleging-he-incited-death-threats|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=23 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023044857/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/23/queensland-student-sues-chinese-consul-general-alleging-he-incited-death-threats|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Stone|first=Lucy|date=10 August 2020|title=Drew Pavlou's case against Chinese diplomat dismissed in court|work=Brisbane Times|url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/drew-pavlou-s-case-against-chinese-diplomat-dismissed-in-court-20200810-p55k4o.html|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=1 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701064832/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/drew-pavlou-s-case-against-chinese-diplomat-dismissed-in-court-20200810-p55k4o.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Patrick|first1=Aaron|date=26 May 2020|title=University risks making Drew Pavlou a free speech martyr|work=Australian Financial Review|url=https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/university-risks-making-drew-pavlou-a-free-speech-martyr-20200526-p54wj0|access-date=27 May 2020|archive-date=27 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527041854/https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/university-risks-making-drew-pavlou-a-free-speech-martyr-20200526-p54wj0|url-status=live}}

File:Drew Pavlou lights up a copy of The Governance of China by Xi Jinping in front of the Chinese Embassy in Sydney in February 2020.png in front of the consulate general of China in Sydney.]]

Throughout April and May 2020, Pavlou was summoned to the University of Queensland disciplinary board after a 186-page report suggested he violated university student discipline policies 11 times, and was suspended for 2 years. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd criticised Chancellor Peter Varghese's handling of the suspension, claiming the university was overly conciliatory to Beijing.

Allegations by the university included bullying, discrimination, and harassment of students and staff, both online and on-campus. ABC News has reported that complaints raised to the board include Pavlou improperly claiming to make statements on behalf of the university and a Facebook post of Pavlou posing in front of the UQ Confucius Institute in a biohazard suit during the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite news|last=Xiao|first=Bang|date=24 April 2020|title=Why an Australian student who is anti-Beijing is facing expulsion from the University of Queensland|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-23/drew-pavlou-facing-expulsion-from-uq-over-china-activism/12168678|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801103716/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-23/drew-pavlou-facing-expulsion-from-uq-over-china-activism/12168678|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Patrick|first=A. Odysseus|date=16 April 2020|title=Student known as vocal critic of China faces expulsion from Australian university|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/student-known-as-vocal-critic-of-china-faces-expulsion-from-australian-university/2020/04/16/1a1e0a9a-7ee0-11ea-84c2-0792d8591911_story.html|access-date=5 September 2020|archive-date=14 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214182539/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/student-known-as-vocal-critic-of-china-faces-expulsion-from-australian-university/2020/04/16/1a1e0a9a-7ee0-11ea-84c2-0792d8591911_story.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Condon|first=Matthew|date=29 May 2020|title=How Drew Pavlou's University of Queensland protest enraged China and started a free speech battle|work=The Australian|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/weekend-australian-magazine/how-drew-pavlous-university-of-queensland-protest-enraged-china-and-started-a-free-speech-battle/news-story/82f5fd86413844c724e64322b11abb69|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831000030/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fweekend-australian-magazine%2Fhow-drew-pavlous-university-of-queensland-protest-enraged-china-and-started-a-free-speech-battle%2Fnews-story%2F82f5fd86413844c724e64322b11abb69&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=72f4f948bb23a35536b9a3e3afc08a08-1598832030|url-status=live}}

Pavlou admitted to directing profanity at students on Facebook and another university forum after UQ claimed complaints were raised by a number of students.{{Cite news|last=Duffy|first=Connor|date=2 June 2020|title=Anti-China University of Queensland student Drew Pavlou caught up in 'kangaroo court', lawyer claims in 16-page appeal|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-02/anti-china-uq-student-drew-pavlou-lawyer-claims-fabrication/12307518|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=16 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816112652/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-02/anti-china-uq-student-drew-pavlou-lawyer-claims-fabrication/12307518|url-status=live}} On 5 May, Pavlou walked out of a disciplinary board hearing, labelling the hearing as a "Stalinist show trial". Pavlou's legal team claimed that they were denied access to confidential university documents that may demonstrate UQ collusion with the Chinese government. A spokesperson for the university stated that the matter did not concern political freedom of speech but misbehaviour, that university policy is developed independently of politics, and that the university was unable to comment directly on the matters of the hearing.{{Cite news|last=Armbruster|first=Stefan|date=20 May 2020|title=Student activist walks out of University of Queensland disciplinary hearing claiming China influence|work=SBS World News|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/student-activist-walks-out-of-university-of-queensland-disciplinary-hearing-claiming-china-influence|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=20 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520132452/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/student-activist-walks-out-of-university-of-queensland-disciplinary-hearing-claiming-china-influence|url-status=live}}

On 29 May, the board handed down its decision to suspend Pavlou for two years, the remainder of Pavlou's tenure as UQ senator.{{Cite news|last=Swanston|first=Tim|date=29 May 2020|title=Drew Pavlou, critic of University of Queensland's links to Chinese Government bodies, suspended for two years|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-29/drew-pavlou-suspended-university-queensland/12302350|access-date=1 September 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728180930/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-29/drew-pavlou-suspended-university-queensland/12302350|url-status=live}} UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese expressed concern on the UQ News website about "the findings and the severity of the penalty", convening an out-of-session meeting of the UQ Senate to discuss the matter.{{Cite web|date=5 August 2020|title=Student disciplinary matters|url=https://www.uq.edu.au/news/uq-responds/student-disciplinary-matters|url-status=live|access-date=1 September 2020|website=UQ News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614093450/https://www.uq.edu.au/news/uq-responds/student-disciplinary-matters |archive-date=14 June 2020 }}

On 2 June, Pavlou sought a review from the UQ Senate Disciplinary Appeals Committee (SDAC), the appellate body for disciplinary matters formed from the UQ Senate, and student and staff representatives. On 13 July, SDAC issued its findings, concluding that two counts of serious misconduct were justified, however dismissing other charges. As a result, SDAC reduced the suspension from two years to one semester (roughly six months). In a statement released by the Committee and Chancellor Varghese, they explained that "neither of the findings of serious misconduct concerned Mr Pavlou's personal or political views about China or Hong Kong", and that Pavlou is now ineligible to return as a UQ senator, under the University of Queensland Act.

In September 2020, the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission declined a request by Pavlou to investigate Chancellor Peter Varghese and former Vice-Chancellor Peter Høj, citing "insufficient evidence to suggest anyone who was subject of the complaint had engaged in corrupt conduct". The university responded in a press statement that it was pleased by the findings, and that it had been advised by the commission that no action will be taken.{{Cite news|last=Dennien|first=Matt|date=3 September 2020|title=Corruption watchdog rules out student's UQ probe|work=Brisbane Times|url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/corruption-watchdog-rules-out-student-s-uq-probe-20200903-p55s0f.html|access-date=10 September 2020|archive-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904020915/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/corruption-watchdog-rules-out-student-s-uq-probe-20200903-p55s0f.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Lynch|first1=Lydia|date=3 June 2020|title=Kevin Rudd accuses UQ of appearing to 'bend the knee to Beijing'|work=Brisbane Times|url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/kevin-rudd-accuses-uq-of-appearing-to-bend-the-knee-to-beijing-20200602-p54ys1.html|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213031435/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/kevin-rudd-accuses-uq-of-appearing-to-bend-the-knee-to-beijing-20200602-p54ys1.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Garcia|first1=Jocelyn|date=25 April 2020|title=Student Activist Warns of Chilling Effect After China's Patriotic Media Singles Him Out|work=Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/student-activist-warns-of-chilling-effect-after-china-s-patriotic-media-singles-him-out-20200425-p54n66.html|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831000036/https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/student-activist-warns-of-chilling-effect-after-china-s-patriotic-media-singles-him-out-20200425-p54n66.html|url-status=live}}

Pavlou returned to university in early 2021.{{cite news |title='World's most famous undergraduate' returns to study but vows to keep up human rights' work |url=https://neoskosmos.com/en/183759/worlds-most-famous-undergratduate-returns-to-study-but-vows-to-keep-up-human-rights-work/ |access-date=10 February 2021 |work=Neos Kosmos |date=19 January 2021}}{{cite news|date=29 May 2020|title=Drew Pavlou suspended by University of Queensland over pro-Hong Kong protest|work=The Australian|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/university-of-queensland-suspends-prohong-kong-activist-drew-pavlou/news-story/1e9ea9af689c394a5539c76d7b384a19|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831000018/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Funiversity-of-queensland-suspends-prohong-kong-activist-drew-pavlou%2Fnews-story%2F1e9ea9af689c394a5539c76d7b384a19&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=e7756a5bcfa0930821ccae905bed1fcf-1598832018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=12 July 2020|title=Queensland student Drew Pavlou's suspension reduced but will remain out of university until 2021|url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/13/queensland-student-drew-pavlous-suspension-reduced-but-will-remain-out-of-university-until-2021|url-status=live|access-date=6 September 2020|website=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713140550/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/jul/13/queensland-student-drew-pavlous-suspension-reduced-but-will-remain-out-of-university-until-2021 |archive-date=13 July 2020 }}

On 11 June 2020, Pavlou launched a case against the University of Queensland, Chancellor Varghese, and former Vice-Chancellor Høj, seeking damages of {{AUD}}3.5 million for an alleged breach of contract and defamation. The case was lodged with the Supreme Court of Queensland. In a response to an ABC News inquiry, a UQ spokesperson said, "when we receive a formal notice of claim we will consider it and respond through the appropriate channels."{{Cite news|date=11 June 2020|title=Suspended student Drew Pavlou sues University of Queensland heads for $3.5m for defamation, breach of contract|work=ABC News|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-11/suspended-uq-student-drew-pavlou-sues-university-of-queensland/12346170|url-status=live|access-date=24 August 2020|archive-date=16 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616142341/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-11/suspended-uq-student-drew-pavlou-sues-university-of-queensland/12346170}}

In April 2022, after returning from Ukraine where he had been volunteering delivering humanitarian aid, and while running for Australian Senate, Pavlou held a sign protesting against President of China Xi Jinping, near a shopping center at the predominantly Asian suburb of Eastwood in New South Wales. The sign read "Fuck Xi Jinping" in Chinese, and resulted in bystanders confronting Pavlou, and eventual police intervention. During a court trial in 2023 related to the incident, Pavlou was charged with offensive behavior in public, and refusing to comply with a police direction, with police claiming that his sign read "Xi Jinping, fuck your mother". The public offence charges were dropped at the court trial after the translator at the trial stated that Pavlou's sign carried a general curse against Xi.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/fornication-translation-sees-charge-dropped-against-anti-china-protester-20230313-p5cros.html|title=Fornication translation sees charge dropped against anti-China protester|first=Peter|last=Duffin|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=2022-03-13|access-date=2024-01-22}}{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/police-won-t-say-why-they-asked-this-anti-beijing-activist-to-leave-parliament-house-20221124-p5c0vn.html|title=Police won't say why they asked this anti-Beijing activist to leave Parliament House|first=Lisa|last=Visentin|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|date=2022-11-24|access-date=2024-01-22}}{{Cite web|url=https://nextshark.com/sydney-activist-sparks-outrage-over-fck-xi-jinping-sign-in-asian-market|title=Sydney activist sparks outrage over 'F*ck Xi Jinping' sign in Asian market|newspaper=Nextshark|first=Carl|last=Samson|date=2022-05-02|access-date=2024-01-22|archive-date=23 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423035912/https://nextshark.com/sydney-activist-sparks-outrage-over-fck-xi-jinping-sign-in-asian-market|url-status=live}}

File:Peng Shuai Shirts Australian Open.jpg" t-shirts at the 2022 Australian Open.]]

On 10 July 2022, Pavlou was thrown out of the 2022 Wimbledon men's singles final for interrupting the match to shout "where is Peng Shuai" in reference to the Chinese tennis player who disappeared after accusing retired Vice Premier of China Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault.{{Cite web |last=Gaydos |first=Ryan |date=10 July 2022 |title=Wimbledon 2022: Peng Shuai supporter wrestled to the ground after shouting during match |website=Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-peng-shuai-supporter-wrestled-ground |access-date=22 April 2023 |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422042810/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/wimbledon-2022-peng-shuai-supporter-wrestled-ground |url-status=live }} Pavlou claimed that security staff pushed him over a row of seats and down a flight of stairs where he hit his head on a wall while twisting his arms behind his back.{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Jeremy |title=Peng Shuai protestor 'thrown down stairs' after being removed from Wimbledon Centre Court |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2022/07/10/peng-shuai-protestor-thrown-stairs-removed-wimbledon-centre/ |access-date=23 July 2022 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=10 July 2022 |archive-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910234317/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2022/07/10/peng-shuai-protestor-thrown-stairs-removed-wimbledon-centre/ |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}} Wimbledon officials denied Pavlou's claims that excessive force had been used against him. An All England Club spokesman stated, "a spectator was removed from Centre Court after disrupting play by shouting, running down the stairs and causing a nuisance to their fellow spectators. The individual was removed by security colleagues and escorted off the grounds";{{Cite web |date=2022-07-10 |title=Aussie human rights activist interrupts Wimbledon |url=https://www.midwesttimes.com.au/news/aussie-human-rights-activist-drew-pavlou-removed-from-wimbledon-over-peng-shuai-protest-c-7478732 |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=Midwest Times |language=en |archive-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910234302/https://www.midwesttimes.com.au/news/aussie-human-rights-activist-drew-pavlou-removed-from-wimbledon-over-peng-shuai-protest-c-7478732 |url-status=live }} while Pavlou stated, "I'm sorry that I disrupted the match for 30 seconds, I tried to pick a break in between games to silently hold up my WhereIsPengShuai sign but security immediately crash tackled me which is why I shouted out so people would hear Peng Shuai's name on the broadcast."{{Cite news |last=Belot |first=Henry |date=2022-12-26 |title=Activists to revisit controversial 'Where is Peng Shuai' protests at January Australian Open |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/26/activists-to-revisit-controversial-where-is-peng-shuai-protests-at-january-australian-open |access-date=2025-04-07 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

On 22 July 2022, Pavlou was arrested by the Metropolitan Police outside the Chinese Embassy in London, while protesting alleged human rights violations perpetrated by the Chinese state, by displaying the flags of Tibet, Taiwan, and East Turkestan.{{cite news |last1=Doherty |first1=Ben |title=Australian activist Drew Pavlou arrested in London but denies sending Chinese embassy bomb threat |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/23/australian-activist-drew-pavlou-arrested-in-london-but-denies-sending-chinese-embassy-bomb-threat |access-date=23 July 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=23 July 2022 |archive-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910234252/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/23/australian-activist-drew-pavlou-arrested-in-london-but-denies-sending-chinese-embassy-bomb-threat |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=McCann |first1=Conor |title=Australian activist detained in London over alleged bomb threat email sent to Chinese embassy |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-23/drew-pavlou-arrested-in-uk-for-alleged-bomb-threat/101264254 |access-date=23 July 2022 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=23 July 2022 |archive-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910234352/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-23/drew-pavlou-arrested-in-uk-for-alleged-bomb-threat/101264254 |url-status=live }}

Pavlou said that he was detained for 23 hours incommunicado without access to lawyers, for an alleged bomb threat. He claimed that during his detainment, he had been treated poorly and had been handcuffed in a stress position; he added that he was forced to sign a document, giving up his right to legal representation and that he was forced to do an interview at 4{{nbsp}}a.m.{{Cite news |date=2022-07-23 |title=Australian China critic detained in UK over alleged bomb threat |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-23/drew-pavlou-arrested-in-uk-for-alleged-bomb-threat/101264254 |access-date=2022-07-27 |archive-date=10 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910234352/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-23/drew-pavlou-arrested-in-uk-for-alleged-bomb-threat/101264254 |url-status=live }} The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that they "will raise Mr. Pavlou's claim that he was denied consular access before being released with UK authorities." Alan Crockford, spokesman for the Metropolitan Police denied allegations of poor treatment during Pavlou's detainment, and asserted that the department abides to "strict codes of practice under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act" for detainees.{{Cite web |title=London police respond after arresting Australian activist over alleged Chinese embassy bomb threat |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/london-police-respond-after-arresting-australian-activist-over-alleged-chinese-embassy-bomb-threat/mo88sg8t1 |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=SBS News |date=23 July 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727014151/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/london-police-respond-after-arresting-australian-activist-over-alleged-chinese-embassy-bomb-threat/mo88sg8t1 |url-status=live }} British journalist and Liberal Democrat candidate Edward Lucas filed a corruption complaint with Metropolitan Police regarding Pavlou's alleged mistreatment and an investigation is underway.{{cite news|last1=Lucas|first1=Edward|date=10 February 2023|title=China's Eyes on the West Involve A Lot More Than Hot Air|newspaper=LA Times|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/chinas-eyes-on-the-west-involve-a-lot-more-than-hot-air-mqdm3l8d5|access-date=13 February 2023}} Some human rights activists and politicians, also claimed of receiving emails from accounts that were pretending to be Pavlou. Pavlou claimed he was subjected to an "orchestrated campaign".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/25/drew-pavlou-says-he-is-victim-of-orchestrated-campaign-after-arrest-over-false-bomb-threat|title=Drew Pavlou says he is victim of 'orchestrated campaign' after arrest over false 'bomb threat'|access-date=24 July 2022|website=The Guardian|date=24 July 2022|archive-date=10 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910234347/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/25/drew-pavlou-says-he-is-victim-of-orchestrated-campaign-after-arrest-over-false-bomb-threat|url-status=live}}

In May 2023, Pavlou received two fines totalling $1,000 after a protest he conducted against the Chinese consulate in Brisbane in May 2022. Pavlou had held a handwritten sign in Queen Street Mall reading "Nothing happened on June 4, 1989, change my mind" in reference to the Tiananmen Square massacre, with this form of protest being modelled on an internet meme. He refused to pack up the protest when a Brisbane City Council officer directed that he needed to do so. The fines were given for the sign and for the refusal. Pavlou unsuccessfully challenged the fines in two appeals, with the total amount he owed to the court increasing in May 2024 to $10,000{{snd}}including the original fine, Brisbane City Council legal fees, and court costs{{snd}}after his second appeal. None of Pavlou's convictions were recorded, allowing him to further pursue a legal career.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-24/drew-pavlou-fined-over-sign-has-second-appeal-rejected/103885752|title=Drew Pavlou left owing $10k after second failed appeal over Brisbane City Council fines|first=Kenji|last=Sato|work=ABC News|date=24 May 2024|access-date=12 June 2024|archive-date=10 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910234259/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-24/drew-pavlou-fined-over-sign-has-second-appeal-rejected/103885752|url-status=live}}

In June 2024, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Pavlou said he had been contacted by three Australian Federal Police officers in August 2023, who told him that he was a suspected target of a foreign interference operation. Pavlou said that the AFP told him that it had uncovered attempts by foreign agents to find where he lived, and instructed him to keep the investigation confidential. He said that search warrants had been issued and searches conducted, but no arrests had been made. Pavlou said that, if the case went to trial, he might have to serve as a crown witness in a foreign interference trial. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Pavlou believed the suspected agents of foreign interference wanted his address for "a nefarious purpose".{{Cite web |last=Knott |first=Matthew |date=2024-06-15 |title=Suspected foreign interference victims break silence |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/i-ve-agonised-over-this-suspected-foreign-interference-victims-break-silence-20240613-p5jlky.html |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en |archive-date=16 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616013752/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/i-ve-agonised-over-this-suspected-foreign-interference-victims-break-silence-20240613-p5jlky.html |url-status=live }} Pavlou said he disregarded the police's instructions to remain confidential, and spoke publicly about the investigation because he was frustrated by the absence of any arrests or charges laid, after waiting ten months since he was informed of the probe.

On 14 December 2021, Pavlou released a recording of a telephone call between him and a representative of Bishopp Outdoor Advertising, which owns more than 700 billboards across Queensland. Pavlou claimed that billboard companies are unwilling to run ads in Australia critical of China.{{Cite web|last=Everington|first=Keoni|date=14 December 2021|title=Audio reveals why activist is banned from posting anti-CCP billboards in Australia|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4375682|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-20|website=Taiwan News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214104824/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4375682 |archive-date=14 December 2021 }}

{{Infobox political party

| name = Drew Pavlou Democratic Alliance

| logo = 220px

| colorcode = #4BBEAB

| leader = Drew Pavlou

| abbreviation = {{hlist|DPDA|Democratic Alliance}}

| founder =

| foundation = {{start date and age|21 September 2021}}{{cite web |title=Drew Pavlou launches political party in hopes of securing senate bid |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qld-politics/drew-pavlou-launches-political-party-in-hopes-of-securing-senate-bid/news-story/40d396d1e28267ea16d55f4f9acc7f0e |publisher=The Courier-Mail |date=21 September 2021 }}

| dissolved = {{End date and age|2023|11|6|df=y}}

| registered = 28 February 2022

| membership = More than 2,000 (claimed){{cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Sally |last2=Xing |first2=Dong |date=15 December 2021 |title=Anti-Chinese Communist Party advocacy unites alliance of young, diverse people to run in 2022 federal election |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-15/drew-pavlou-democratic-alliance-political-party-uyghur-hong-kong/100700918 |url-status=live |work=ABC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328232938/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-15/drew-pavlou-democratic-alliance-political-party-uyghur-hong-kong/100700918 |archive-date=28 March 2022 }}

| website = {{URL|https://www.democraticalliance.com.au/}}

| ideology = {{plainlist|

• Anti-corruption{{refn|{{cite news |last=Antrobus |first=Blake |date=15 December 2021 |title=Outspoken student CCP critic Drew Pavlou debuts political party aiming for federal, senate seats |url=https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/outspoken-student-ccp-critic-drew-pavlou-debuts-political-party-aiming-for-federal-senate-seats/news-story/f1808bef2fbcc60ea12cf882b4735739 |url-status=live |work=News.com.au |publisher=News Corp Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107180004/https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/outspoken-student-ccp-critic-drew-pavlou-debuts-political-party-aiming-for-federal-senate-seats/news-story/f1808bef2fbcc60ea12cf882b4735739 |archive-date=7 January 2022 }}{{cite news |last= Hennessy |first= James |date= 11 May 2022 |title= Your Whirlwind Tour Of The Minor Parties Running At The Federal Election |url= https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/minor-parties-federal-election/ |work= PEDESTRIAN.TV |access-date= 12 September 2023 |archive-date= 5 June 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230605055553/https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/minor-parties-federal-election/ |url-status= live }}}}
• Anti-communism{{refn|{{cite web |title=From anti-vax to 'pro-life': What every single minor party actually stands for. |url=https://www.mamamia.com.au/minor-parties-federal-election/ |last=Ross |first=Isabella |date=18 May 2022 |website=Mamamia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228121749/https://www.mamamia.com.au/minor-parties-federal-election/ |archive-date=28 December 2024 }}{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Josh |date=18 May 2022 |title=Australian election 2022: from anti-vaxxers to revolutionaries, what do the minor parties running for the Senate stand for? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/may/18/australian-election-2022-full-list-micro-minor-parties-party-running-voting-senate-ballot-paper-federal-who-should-vote-what-do-they-stand-for |url-status=live |work=Guardian Australia |publisher=Guardian Media Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604051251/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/may/18/australian-election-2022-full-list-micro-minor-parties-party-running-voting-senate-ballot-paper-federal-who-should-vote-what-do-they-stand-for |archive-date=4 June 2022 }}}}
• {{nowrap|Anti-Chinese Communist Party{{refn|}}}}
• Pro-Taiwanese sentiment{{refn|{{cite web |title=Issues |url=https://www.drewpavlou.com/issues |website=Drew Pavlou |language=en |access-date=1 March 2022 |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620105022/https://www.drewpavlou.com/issues |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Beijing critic forms new political party with young, diverse candidates ahead of federal election |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-15/drew-pavlou-democratic-alliance-political-party-uyghur-hong-kong/100700918 |access-date=1 March 2022 |work=ABC News |date=15 December 2021 |language=en-AU}}}}

}}

| position =

| headquarters =

| country = Australia

}}

In December 2021, Pavlou launched the Drew Pavlou Democratic Alliance (DPDA) federal political party after losing preselection in Queensland for the Senate for the Katter's Australian Party. He announced his intention to run for the Senate in Queensland, alongside five other candidates in New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.{{cite web|url=https://www.aec.gov.au/election/candidates.htm|title=Who are my candidates?|work=aec.gov.au|access-date=29 April 2022|archive-date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426054759/https://aec.gov.au/election/candidates.htm|url-status=live}} The party was registered with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) on 28 February 2022.{{cite web |title=Registration of a political party Drew Pavlou Democratic Alliance |url=https://www.aec.gov.au/Parties_and_Representatives/Party_Registration/Registration_Decisions/2022/registration-approved-drew-pavlou-democratic-alliance.pdf |publisher=Australian Electoral Commission}}

The party's policies include fighting corruption, protecting human rights (with an eye specifically on alleged issues related to the Chinese Communist Party and promoting a pro-Taiwan foreign policy), tackling poverty and homelessness, building a green economy, and supporting workplace democracy.{{Cite news|last=Antrobus|first=Blake|date=15 December 2021|title=Outspoken student CCP critic Drew Pavlou debuts political party aiming for federal, senate seats|work=News.com.au|url=https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/outspoken-student-ccp-critic-drew-pavlou-debuts-political-party-aiming-for-federal-senate-seats/news-story/f1808bef2fbcc60ea12cf882b4735739|access-date=December 20, 2021|archive-date=9 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509024123/https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/outspoken-student-ccp-critic-drew-pavlou-debuts-political-party-aiming-for-federal-senate-seats/news-story/f1808bef2fbcc60ea12cf882b4735739|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.drewpavlou.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529145518/https://drewpavlou.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 May 2020 |title=Home |website=drewpavlou.com }}

The party contested the 2022 Australian federal election, with Pavlou running for the Australian Senate in his home state of Queensland. Pavlou campaigned against Liberal MP Gladys Liu.{{cite web|url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/signs-election-contest-for-chisholm-has-turned-nasty-20220504-p5aie2|title=Signs election contest for Chisholm has turned nasty|work=Australian Financial Review|first=Gus|last=McCubbing|date=4 May 2022|access-date=12 November 2022|archive-date=12 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112155601/https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/signs-election-contest-for-chisholm-has-turned-nasty-20220504-p5aie2|url-status=live}} The party's candidates received 2,215 first preference votes for the House of Representatives nationally (contesting Bennelong and Sturt), 4,555 first preference votes for the Senate in Queensland (representing 0.15% of total votes cast) and 1,011 first preference votes for the Senate in South Australia (representing 0.09% of total votes cast).{{cite web |title=First preferences by party |url=https://results.aec.gov.au/27966/Website/HouseStateFirstPrefsByParty-27966-NAT.htm |publisher=Australian Electoral Commission |access-date=3 October 2023 |language=en-AU |date=1 July 2022}}{{cite web |title=First preferences by Senate group |url=https://results.aec.gov.au/27966/Website/SenateStateFirstPrefsByGroup-27966-QLD.htm |publisher=Australian Electoral Commission |access-date=3 October 2023 |language=en-AU |date=1 July 2022}}{{cite web |title=First preferences by Senate group |url=https://results.aec.gov.au/27966/Website/SenateStateFirstPrefsByGroup-27966-SA.htm |publisher=Australian Electoral Commission |access-date=3 October 2023 |language=en-AU |date=11 June 2022}}

The party was voluntarily deregistered in November 2023.{{cite web |title=Drew Pavlou Democratic Alliance Voluntary Deregistration |url=https://aec.gov.au/Parties_and_Representatives/Party_Registration/Deregistered_parties/files/voluntary-deregistration-drew-pavlou-democratic-alliance.pdf |publisher=Australian Electoral Commission |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107195730/https://aec.gov.au/Parties_and_Representatives/Party_Registration/Deregistered_parties/files/voluntary-deregistration-drew-pavlou-democratic-alliance.pdf |url-status=live }}

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