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Russian court bars opposition Yabloko party from parliament ballot
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Russia’s Supreme Court ordered the removal of Yabloko, the only registered opposition party opposing the Kremlin’s military action in Ukraine, from the upcoming parliamentary election ballot after a pro-Kremlin party’s appeal.
- Yabloko, historically a liberal voice critical of the government, campaigned on peace and anti-war slogans, gaining unexpected public support and prompting concern within the Kremlin about its influence.
- Kremlin-aligned parties criticized Yabloko for its anti-war stance, accusing it of supporting foreign agents and violating laws, while the Motherland Party filed the lawsuit citing copyright and campaign finance violations.
- The party has faced a severe crackdown with several members jailed or labeled as “foreign agents,” which restricts their political participation; prominent members like Maxim Kruglov and Lev Shlosberg face criminal charges related to their opposition activities.
- Despite the court ruling, Yabloko leaders vowed to appeal and highlighted the ruling as evidence of the significance of their peace platform and growing public demand for freedom and an end to political repression.
