A Moscow court has barred Yabloko, Russia’s sole remaining liberal and anti-war political party, from participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections. The legal challenge was initiated by Rodina, a nationalist party aligned with the Kremlin.
Supporters, largely composed of young people, gathered outside the courthouse in protest, chanting slogans against the decision. The lawsuit alleged that Yabloko violated laws by distributing materials supporting the internationally designated extremist LGBT movement and accused party members of copyright infringement for quoting a Soviet-era song. Additionally, state monitors claimed the party received illicit foreign funding.
The ruling follows a series of setbacks for the party, including the imprisonment of key figures such as deputy leader Maxim Kruglov for his criticism of the war in Ukraine. Despite Yabloko’s consistent opposition to military conflicts, including the invasion of Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea, the political environment has become increasingly restrictive under wartime censorship.
Political analysts suggest the Kremlin blocked Yabloko to prevent an organized outlet for war-related dissent, aiming to suppress voter turnout. With all other ballot-eligible parties either backing or remaining silent on the conflict, the removal of Yabloko ensures a lack of genuine opposition in the electoral process.
