In Canberra, Australia’s capital, a squatter occupied land near the Australian Parliament building, where a new Russian embassy was planned. On this subject writing The Australian, calling the squatter a Russian diplomat. In mid-June, the Australian authorities banned construction by passing a special law.
By data Associated Press, a man believed to be a Russian diplomat has lived at the Canberra site since at least June 18. Australian reporters tried to talk to him, but he refused and went to a changing room with CCTV cameras outside. The man spoke English with a “strong accent”, notes the newspaper.
According to the newspaper, the federal police are monitoring the tenant, but cannot detain him, because he would benefit from diplomatic immunity. Several times the man freely ordered food delivery. The police refused to answer why he was not arrested, writes AP. She advised reporters not to leave the compound.
The Russian embassy declined to comment on the alleged squatter as a diplomat and did not explain why he lives on the site, writes AP.
Australia’s prime minister said the squatter was not a threat.
“Australia will stand up for its values, we will stand up for our national security, and a guy standing in the cold on a patch of grass in Canberra is no threat to our national security. The site is safe, we are happy with our position,” Albanese said at a press conference on June 23, his remarks son Reuters.
On June 15, 2023, the Australian government passed legislation canceling a 2008 lease on a site in Canberra for the construction of the Russian Embassy. The law was drafted specifically for this purpose, as legal attempts to block construction failed, the BBC wrote.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the decision was made in the interest of national security. According to him, the country’s authorities have received “very clear security recommendations” regarding the risk linked to the proximity of the new Russian diplomatic mission to the Australian Parliament building. The former building of the Russian Embassy is located in the town of Griffith, it will continue its work, Albanese noted.
After the termination of the lease contract for land in Canberra, the Russian Foreign Ministry called Australian Ambassador Greim Meehan and him protested. Australia’s actions have been described as “openly politicized and hostile”. Press Secretary of Russian President Dmitry Peskov appointed the decision of the Australian authorities “Russophobic hysteria” and “hostile demonstration”. The Russian Embassy intends to challenge the termination of the rental agreement in the Supreme Court, informed And RIA Novosti in the diplomatic mission.
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