Simeon Boikov, an activist who identifies as a pro-Putin supporter, has been living in the Russian consulate in Melbourne since December 2022. His presence at the consulate followed an incident in which he assaulted a 76-year-old man during a protest. Boikov, who describes himself online as the ‘Aussie Cossack,’ has since claimed that the conditions within the consulate are akin to those of a prison. The Australian government has not publicly commented on the allegations, but the situation highlights the complex dynamics between Australia and Russia in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The case has sparked discussions about the treatment of individuals living in diplomatic premises and the legal implications of such stays.