Russia Suffers Legal Setback In Australian Embassy Standoff
NDTV
Australia has blocked Russia from building a new embassy in the capital Canberra -- a stone's throw from Parliament House -- after intelligence agencies warned it could be used as a base to spy on lawmakers.
Russia's bid to build a new embassy near Australia's parliament suffered a legal blow on Monday, when the country's highest court denied a request for temporary protection against eviction.
Australia has blocked Russia from building a new embassy in the capital Canberra -- a stone's throw from Parliament House -- after intelligence agencies warned it could be used as a base to spy on lawmakers.
Russia's embassy last week launched a last-minute injunction to temporarily hold on to the land, while despatching a mystery diplomat to squat on the site as the legal tussle played out.
Australia's high court ruled on Monday morning that Russia had to temporarily vacate the site until the case returns to court for more detailed legal arguments, local media reported.
