Simeon Boikov, known as the ‘Aussie Cossack’ on social media, has been living in a Russian consulate in Australia since December 2022 following his conviction for assaulting a 76-year-old man during a protest. The incident occurred in the context of heightened tensions between Australia and Russia, with Boikov having previously participated in pro-Putin demonstrations. He claimed that the consulate’s conditions were akin to a prison, with limited personal freedom and strict rules governing daily life.
Boikov’s stay in the consulate has sparked debates about the treatment of political activists and the use of diplomatic facilities as places of detention. Australia’s government has not officially commented on the matter, but there have been discussions about the implications of allowing individuals with alleged ties to Russia to reside in diplomatic premises. The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of diplomatic immunity and its potential misuse in politically sensitive contexts.