The Russian government has launched a high court challenge to laws designed to stop it from building a new embassy close to Parliament House in Canberra.
Australia has blocked Russian Federation from building a new embassy in Canberra on a location that’s just a stone throw from parliament house. Australian government took decision after intelligence agencies warned that the embassy could be used as a base to spy on parliament and law makers.
Last week the Australian government passed a law that cancels Russian federation lease on the Yarralumla site, citing national security concerns due to its proximity to the parliament.
Clare O’Neil, a spokesperson for home affairs minister, confirmed on Friday afternoon that Russia had informed Australian government regarding high court challenge.
“The Russian Federation has informed the commonwealth of its intention to commence legal proceedings in the high court, in which they will challenge the validity of the legislation on constitutional grounds,” the spokesperson said.
Earlier on Friday, the local newspapers revealed that a single Russian diplomat remained at the site, Australian police have been monitoring the individual but can’t arrest him because of his diplomatic immunity.
The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, described the man as “some bloke standing on a blade of grass” who posed no threat to national security.
The application is listed to heard on Monday morning.
