Russia's Supreme Court to consider removing Yabloko party from Duma elections on Aug 10
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Russia's Supreme Court will consider a lawsuit by the Rodina party on August 10 seeking to bar Yabloko from the upcoming State Duma elections. If granted, it would be the first removal of a party from the ballot in 27 years. The challenge comes as Yabloko gains public support and opposition calls to vote for it.
The Lawsuit
The Rodina party filed a lawsuit with Russia's Supreme Court to disqualify the liberal Yabloko party from the State Duma elections. The court is scheduled to hear the case on August 10, according to Exclusive.kz and the Telegram channel Faridaily. If the lawsuit is successful, it would mark the first removal of a political party from the ballot in 27 years.
Grounds for Disqualification
Rodina's complaint alleges that Yabloko's anti-war stance, including calls to end the war in Ukraine, amounts to calls to violate Russia's territorial integrity. The suit also characterizes Yabloko's statements against political arrests and censorship as extremism and incitement of hatred toward Russian authorities. Additionally, Rodina accuses Yabloko of copyright infringement in campaign materials and exceeding spending limits.
Political Context
An election expert cited by Faridaily estimated an 80% probability that Yabloko will be removed from the ballot. Following its registration, public support for the party grew rapidly, and opposition activists began urging citizens to vote for Yabloko well before the election. This development could make the party an unpredictable consolidation point for protest votes.
What's Next
The Supreme Court is set to deliver its ruling after the August 10 hearing. It remains unclear whether a removal of Yabloko would disperse or further concentrate the protest electorate.
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Russia's Supreme Court to consider removing Yabloko party from Duma elections on Aug 10
