A man, whose name is unknown, squatted a plot of land 400 meters from the country's parliament, where the construction of a new building of the Russian embassy was planned. This is reported by Bloomberg with links to local publications.
According to several media reports, a man who has been on the site for several days in a mobile home cannot be evicted, as he has diplomatic immunity. The Australian writes that the squatter ordered food delivery under the supervision of the Australian Federal Police.
Bloomberg News tried to get a comment from a representative of the Russian embassy, but the diplomat refused to answer questions. He only clarified that the diplomatic mission is looking for a lawyer to advise on the termination of the lease agreement for a plot in Australia.
In mid-June, the country's authorities «in the interests of national security» banned the construction of the Russian embassy building near the country's parliament. According to Home Secretary Claire O'Neal, a distance of 400 meters is too unsafe.
Russia and Australia entered into an agreement to lease land in Canberra in 2008. Since then, only its foundation has been erected. After the start of the war in Ukraine, Australia tried several times to cancel this agreement, fearing, in particular, that the Russians would be able to listen to parliamentarians from the new embassy.