SYDNEY, February 27. /TASS/. Australia's authorities have denied the country's armed forces veteran Sean Ambrose the extension of his firearms license as punishment for supporting Russia and taking part in pro-Russian rallies; Ambrose shared with TASS the relevant notification from the New South Wales state police.
The letter notes that the veteran was denied a license to possess a firearm because he has "been attending rallies and public assemblies in support of Russia and made a Pro-Russian speech." "You were seen by Police to be wearing clothing with a 'Z' on them representing support of the ongoing war in Ukraine," the document states.
Ambrose himself believes that the persecution for his pro-Russian stance "is completely unjust and unfair and is an example of a vendetta due to being a political activist." "In regard to having spoken at a pro-Russian rally and wearing a Z shirt, yes, this is factual. My mother’s family are 'White Russian' and fled Russia due to the Bolshevik revolution. The Z is also representative of the Australian Z Special Unit of World War Two. I have never made public threats and I believe that it is absolutely tragic that slavs are killing each other," he told TASS.
In March 2023, Ambrose, who was going to run in the upcoming New South Wales state parliamentary elections, was expelled from the Australian Shooters, Fishermen and Farmers Party (SFFP) because of his pro-Russian stance. However, he intends to run in the next federal election, "opposing the despotism of the Australian government."
Since March 2014, the Australian government has imposed more than 30 packages of anti-Russian sanctions, targeting over 1,200 individuals and more than 300 companies from Russia and Belarus. The government severed all trade relations with Russia, froze the assets of blacklisted individuals, and prohibited national organizations from conducting business with sanctioned companies.
The restrictions prohibit arms exports and entirely cut off Russian banks' access to Australia's capital markets. Additionally, the country has imposed a complete ban on the export of goods and services intended for use in the exploration and production of oil, gas, and minerals.