Prominent Putin Critic Granted Australian Visa After Initial Delay.
A notable critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been granted a visa to enter Australia after an earlier delay raised concerns about their eligibility.
Earlier this week, Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen revealed that their visa application had been postponed due to criminal charges imposed by Russian authorities. Gessen, known for their extensive writings on Russian politics, authored a highly critical and unauthorized biography of President Putin in 2012.
Gessen was scheduled to arrive in Australia over the weekend to participate in a speaking tour with the Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI) in Sydney and at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne. However, their travel plans were initially disrupted when their visa application faced delays.
According to Gessen, the delay occurred because they disclosed on their application that they had been convicted by a Russian court. “From what I understand, it was because I indicated on my application, honestly as one should, that I had been convicted by a Russian court,” Gessen told RN Breakfast.
In July, Gessen was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison by a Russian court for spreading false information about the Russian military. The charges stemmed from their reporting on the Bucha massacre in Ukraine for a U.S. publication. Gessen believes that the conviction was intended to hinder international travel for those critical of Vladimir Putin.
Despite the initial setback, Gessen expressed relief upon receiving the visa. “At this point, I do have my visa, so I want to express my gratitude for the red tape finally being cut. But, yes, of course, it makes one feel unfree,” Gessen stated.
Gessen highlighted the broader challenges faced by Russian dissidents worldwide, noting that obtaining visas has become increasingly difficult. “This is a very concerted campaign to make Russian dissidents feel unsafe and unfree, and to constrain our movement in the world. This is not the first time a Western government has become unwittingly complicit in this,” they added.
A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on Gessen’s specific case, citing privacy concerns. The spokesperson noted that visa processing times can vary for various reasons, including the submission of required documents and delays in receiving information from applicants and external agencies.
According to the Department of Home Affairs website, visa applicants are subject to criminal record checks as part of the application process. “You may need to provide a police clearance from your country and other countries of residence to us,” the website states. It also emphasizes that individuals with a substantial criminal record may not pass the character test and could be denied entry to Australia.