Russian court excludes opposition party Yabloko from election

Russia's Supreme Court has excluded the liberal opposition party Yabloko from participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections in September. This decision came after the pro-Kremlin nationalist party Rodina filed a lawsuit, accusing Yabloko of numerous violations of Russian election laws.

The court, presided over by Judge Vyacheslav Kirillov, sided with Rodina's complaint, which was supported by the prosecution. Rodina's accusations included alleged copyright infringements in Yabloko's campaign materials, excessive online advertising spending, and receiving approximately 16,900 rubles (about 178 euros) in campaign funding from the United States and Germany.

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Political competition is the essence of elections. The goal of the plaintiffs is to take away a free choice from the people.

Yabloko, a party advocating for peace and freedom and calling for an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, vehemently contested these claims. Party leader Nikolai Rybakov argued during the hearing that Yabloko had committed no legal violations and that political competition is essential for elections. He characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to deny citizens a free choice.

Supporters of Yabloko gathered outside the courthouse, chanting the party's name. The party has stated its intention to appeal the ruling, which Kirillov explicitly allowed. This disqualification marks a significant moment, as Yabloko claims no previously admitted party has ever been subsequently excluded from an election.

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This is a historic process, because never before has a party admitted to an election been subsequently excluded.