{
  "id": 55542,
  "title": "Safety concerns for ex-ASIO agent as he seeks visa to testify",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/safety-concerns-for-ex-asio-agent-as-he-seeks-visa-to-testify",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-02T18:38:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-03/ex-asio-agent-reapplies-testify-bondi-royal-commission/106987830"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Marcus, a former ASIO agent, is seeking an Australian visa to testify before the Bondi royal commission. He has been denied this visa due to concerns about his intentions to remain in Australia. Additionally, NSW Police have reached out to Marcus regarding their investigation into the Bondi terror attack. Marcus, who spent years working undercover for ASIO within Sydney's ISIS networks, has stated that he warned ASIO about the Bondi gunmen before the attack. Despite ASIO describing him as \"unreliable and disgruntled,\" Marcus maintains that his concerns about his personal security have been genuine. His previous visa application was rejected due to the Australian authorities' doubts about his intention to stay temporarily in the country. Marcus is currently living abroad and has significant concerns about his security. His solicitors have expressed the need for a secure environment to provide evidence, either within Australia or at an embassy abroad. Legal experts have noted that granting Marcus's evidence while he is abroad could expose him to legal risks, as Australian laws do not apply in his location. Some political figures have supported Marcus's bid to return to Australia and provide evidence, while others believe the government should find a way to facilitate his testimony.",
  "summary": "It is the former agent's second bid to enter Australia after his first visa was rejected because immigration authorities feared he was unlikely to leave.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}