A spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil stated the Russian Federation had knowledgeable Australia on Friday afternoon of its intention to begin authorized proceedings.
However, the federal government appears assured in its place, labelling the transfer as anticipated and a part of Russia’s normal practices.
“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 stated.
“Russia’s challenge to the validity of the law is not unexpected.
“This is a part of the Russian playbook.”
“The authorities has acquired very clear safety recommendation as to the chance offered by a brand new Russian presence so near Parliament House,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at the time.
Russia’s legal challenge comes as a Russian diplomat has been spotted squatting on the plot of land in an apparent protest against the decision.
The man has been living in a demountable home on the site for the last few days while under observation from the Australian Federal Police.
If the man is a member of Russia’s diplomatic mission to Australia, he would be unable to be arrested due to diplomatic immunity, unless the federal government declares him persona non grata and deports him back to Russia.
This would almost certainly spark a reprisal from Moscow, which last week voiced its clear disapproval over the government’s decision regarding the lease.
Russia retains an embassy in the Canberra suburb of Griffith.
Speaking at a press conference today, Albanese downplayed the man’s presence on the site.
“Of course, we anticipated that Russia wouldn’t be pleased with our response,” Albanese said.
“We anticipated that, however we’re assured of our place and processes are underway for the Commonwealth to formalise possession of the positioning.”
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Albanese said the national security threat posed by a potential Russian embassy on the site was not matched by the man’s presence.
“A bloke standing within the chilly on a little bit of grass in Canberra isn’t a menace to our nationwide safety,” he said.
9news.com.au has contacted the Australian Federal Police for comment.
Source: www.9news.com.au
