Masha Gessen, a Russian-American journalist and critic of the Kremlin, has accused the Australian government of 'functionally denying' their visa application due to a bogus conviction from Russia. Gessen, who was sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military, had planned to speak at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas in Sydney. The Australian Department of Home Affairs delayed the visa process, initially requesting police checks from Russia, which Gessen deemed impossible to provide. After raising concerns, the department shifted its request to require background checks from U.S. authorities, despite Gessen having no criminal record there. Festival organizers expressed disappointment over the visa issues and noted that Gessen could still participate via video link if necessary. Gessen's situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists targeted for their views, highlighting the intersection of international politics and freedom of speech.