UN Asks Russia to Allow Opposition Party Yabloko to Participate in Elections

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on Russian authorities to overturn a recent Supreme Court decision that prohibits the opposition party Yabloko from participating in the upcoming September elections. The move has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights bodies.

Türk expressed deep concern regarding the disqualification of Yabloko, described as one of Russia's oldest political parties. He stated that the prohibition from the parliamentary elections is alarming and urged the Russian authorities to revoke the decision. The High Commissioner's office emphasized that such actions threaten democratic processes and the right to political participation.

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We are deeply concerned by the prohibition of Yabloko, one of Russia's oldest political parties, in the September parliamentary elections.

Yabloko, known for being the only party that has openly opposed the war in Ukraine, was reportedly targeted by ultranationalist party Rodina (Patria). Rodina accused Yabloko of foreign funding and other violations, claims that were subsequently supported by the Central Election Commission (CEC).

The UN's intervention highlights international concern over the shrinking political space for opposition groups in Russia. The disqualification of Yabloko raises questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the upcoming elections, particularly given the party's stance on the conflict in Ukraine.

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We call on the authorities to revoke the prohibition.