A Russian diplomat has found himself at the center of a diplomatic row by occupying land where Russia’s embassy in Australia was planned to be built. The Australian government decided to prevent the construction of the embassy on a vacant lot near Parliament House in Canberra because of concerns by intelligence officials that Moscow would use it as a base for spying on MPs.
Last week, Australia passed specific legislation to stop construction at the site, located about 400 meters from parliament. However, since then, a Russian official has occupied a construction shed on the property, surrounded by weeds and building materials, preventing the land from being reclaimed.
An Australian government spokesman noted that Russia’s challenge to the validity of the law is not surprising, and it is believed that Moscow is seeking to take the case to the country’s highest court. Although the man has diplomatic protection, his identity has not been officially confirmed.
Australian police have been monitoring the scene, but the government is hesitant to arrest the diplomat because of the possible risk of an even greater crisis with Russia. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the diplomat as “a stand-up guy under the cold” in Canberra, where nighttime temperatures are very low at this time of year.
In 2008, Russia signed a lease for the land with the Australian government and, in 2011, won approval to build its embassy there. However, last week, the government announced the breaking of the commitment due to the risk posed by a Russian presence so close to Parliament House.