Pro-Russia protesters march on Kirribilli House, tell PM to keep hands off Russian embassy

Around 20 protesters have rallied outside the prime minister's Sydney residence, Kirribilli House, demanding the government scraps moves to block a new Russian embassy in Canberra.

People participate in a pro-Russia protest at Kirribilli House in Sydney on Saturday 24 June 2023.

A pro-Russia protest has been held outside the prime minister's Sydney residence. Source: AAP / Steven Markham

Pro-Russia protesters have marched on the prime minister's house over the decision to block a new Russian embassy build near Parliament House.

Roughly 20 protesters waving Russian and Australian flags, posters of and placards mocking Prime Minster Anthony Albanese have marched on Kirribilli House in Sydney, calling on the government to keep its hand off the Russian embassy.

On 15 June within 500 metres of Parliament House, following advice on potential security risks.
Protest placards read, "Who is Albo", and "deep state lap dog", while others wore t-shirts sporting the pro-Russia military Z symbol.

Russia has launched a High Court bid to have the laws overturned.

Australian Federal Police are monitoring a Russian diplomat squatting in a shed on the proposed site, but have been unable to arrest him due to diplomatic immunity.

and said he was not a threat to national security.

"We are confident of our legal position and our national security committee considered this - we anticipated Russia would not be happy with our response," he said on Friday.
"Processes are underway for the Commonwealth to formalise possession of the site.

"A bloke standing in the cold on a bit of grass in Canberra is not a threat to our national security."

But Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham called on the government to take all possible legal steps on the matter.

"We shouldn't tolerate anybody seeking to make any type of fool of Australia in relation to the application of Australian law," he said.

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2 min read
Published 24 June 2023 3:48pm
Updated 24 June 2023 4:03pm
Source: AAP, SBS


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