Court Ruling Ends Russian Diplomat's Squat On Embassy Site In Australia: WSJ

A Russian diplomat, who had been squatting on a plot of land in Canberra intended for a new Russian embassy, has left the site following a ruling by Australia’s High Court, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Australian High Court sided with the Australian government, which had passed a law terminating Russia’s lease to the site due to national security concerns. The court rejected Russia’s request to maintain control of the land while it challenged the law.

Diplomatic Tensions

The incident comes amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between Australia and Russia, with Australia strengthening its military alliance with the U.S. and providing aid to Ukraine. Both countries have imposed various sanctions on each other’s citizens.

Legal Challenge

Despite the diplomat’s departure, Russia could continue with its legal challenge. The fast exit following the court ruling took some Australian officials by surprise. Australia has no plans to lock up the site, but any Russian access would be under the supervision of Australian authorities.

Lease History

Australia initially granted Russia a lease to the site in 2008. After an unsuccessful attempt to cancel the lease on a technicality last year, Australia passed a law in parliament to cancel the lease, citing national security concerns. Russia’s legal challenge at the high court centered on the constitutionality of this law.

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