Russia: Court excludes opposition party Yabloko from elections

Russia's Supreme Court has excluded the liberal opposition party Yabloko from the upcoming parliamentary elections in September. The court justified its decision by citing numerous alleged violations of Russian election legislation. The ruling came after a complaint filed by the pro-Kremlin Rodina party, which accused Yabloko of copyright infringements in its campaign materials and excessive spending on advertising.

Judge Vyacheslav Kirillov, who has been criticized as a Kremlin facilitator, accepted the prosecution's request, finding Rodina's complaint against the election commission valid. Hundreds of Yabloko supporters gathered outside the court, chanting the party's name. The party, which advocates for an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, has stated its intention to appeal the ruling, a move explicitly permitted by Kirillov.

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Political competition is the essence of elections.

Yabloko's leader, Nikolai Rybakov, argued that the party had committed no legal violations and that its platform stands for peace, freedom, and a life without fear. He asserted that millions of Russians are prepared to cast their votes for Yabloko, emphasizing that political competition is the essence of elections and that the plaintiffs aim to deny voters a free choice. The party's legal team refuted the claims made in the 40-page lawsuit, which also included allegations of foreign funding.

Rodina specifically accused Yabloko of copyright violations, including the use of images of doves of peace, and of spending an impermissible amount of money on internet advertising. Furthermore, the party allegedly received 16,900 rubles (approximately 178 euros) in election funding from the United States and Germany. A representative from the election commission highlighted the foreign funding aspect, stating it gave him pause, despite the commission's earlier unanimous decision in July to admit Yabloko as one of eleven parties eligible for the election.

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Millions of Russians are ready to give their vote to his party.