Russia's Supreme Court Bars Anti-War Yabloko Party from Parliamentary Election
On Monday, Russia's Supreme Court prohibited the liberal Yabloko party from participating in the parliamentary elections scheduled for September, effectively eliminating the only registered opposition party against Moscow's war in Ukraine. This ruling, coming over four years after the 2022 invasion, underscores the government's intolerance towards anti-war sentiments and further constricts the already limited political dissent in Russia. The court's decision was influenced by a lawsuit from the minor pro-Kremlin nationalist group Rodina, which accused Yabloko of receiving undisclosed campaign assistance, including from Western entities. Yabloko's leader, Nikolai Rybakov, argued that the claims lacked evidence and labeled the case an unconstitutional assault on freedom of thought. The party vowed to appeal, stating, "Friends, let's not despair."
Key facts
- Russia's Supreme Court barred the liberal Yabloko party from September's parliamentary elections.
- Yabloko is the only officially registered party opposing the war in Ukraine.
- The decision was made on Monday, more than four years after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- The lawsuit was filed by the pro-Kremlin nationalist party Rodina.
- Rodina alleged Yabloko received undeclared campaign support, including from Western sources.
- Yabloko leader Nikolai Rybakov denied the allegations, calling the case an unconstitutional attack on freedom of thought.
- Yabloko plans to appeal the decision.
Entities
Institutions
- Yabloko
- Rodina
- Supreme Court of Russia
Locations
- Russia