Notorious Putin sycophant ‘Aussie Cossack’ issued with an arrest warrant after failing to turn up to court for allegedly pushing over an old man – as he seeks refuge in the Russian consulate
- ‘Notorious Aussie Cossack’ issued with arrest warrant
- Simeon Boikov failed to turn up to court over assault charge
- Pro-Russia commentator sought refuge in Russian consulate
A notorious pro-Russia commentator who goes by the name ‘Aussie Cossack’ has had a warrant issued for his arrest after he refused to turn up to court while seeking refuge in the Russian consulate.
Simeon Boikov, 32, is accused of assaulting a 76-year-old man at a rally in support of Ukraine in December at Sydney’s Town Hall.
Following the rally, Boikov posted a video to his YouTube channel which showed him in a scuffle with the man, who fell backwards down the stairs.
The man was taken to hospital with a head injury, with NSW Police called to the scene of Boikov’s arrest.
A NSW Police statement issued at the time said he was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.
He was due to face court on Wednesday over the matter but the 32-year-old never showed up as he is currently seeking refuge in the Russian consulate in Sydney.
The elderly man fell down the set of stairs after confronting Boikov at a protest against Russia
Boikov’s defence lawyer, Mark Davis, told the court he hadn’t heard from him but knew where he was and was hoping to speak with him.
Magistrate Megan Greenwood told the lawyer he ‘better tell police’ as there has been a parole warrant out for him since he was charged.
‘I don’t have his instructions; I’m hoping to get direct instructions to plead guilty to the common assault,’ Mr Davis said.
Ms Greenwood adjourned the matter and issued a warrant for Boikov’s arrest, telling the court he needed to be present to enter a plea.
Videos were circulating on social media in which Boikov said he had to make a ‘tough decision’ and seek refuge in the Russian consulate.
‘I have no faith in the legal system, no faith in the police, no faith in the courts to be fair in this process,’ he said in the video.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Simeon Boikov (pictured) as he seeks refuge in the Russian consulate
The elderly protester can be seen on video arguing with Boikov before he falls backwards down the stairs
‘So in order to mount the defence, in order to conduct a fair process, I’ve decided to enter the Russian consulate and ask the Russian government for political asylum.’
Mr Davis confirmed outside court that Boikov was in the Russian consulate.
He said Boikov had not made ‘any grand announcements’ but was ‘close’ to doing so.
Mr Davis said his client’s action was ‘totally defendable’ and in normal circumstances he would have a ‘good prospect’ of winning the case.
Boikov’s defence lawyer Mark Davis, told the court on Wednesday he hadn’t heard from him but knew where he was and was hoping to speak with him
The pro-Putin commentator regularly posts videos online at various rallies and protests
‘Because of the situation… it would take six months to get to a hearing; for good reason he might enter a guilty plea and have it dealt with,’ Mr Davis said.
He said he is currently in the process of dealing with the arrest warrant and having it resolved ‘promptly’.
Boikov has amassed nearly 230,000 followers across his social media accounts, which include YouTube, Telegram and Facebook.
The 32-year-old was a prominent personality in the anti-vaccine mandate protests in Canberra in 2022 and claims he is the leader of the Australian Cossacks – a group which promotes pro-Russian government sentiment.
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