Russia Bans Only Anti-War Party from Elections

The registered political party that opposes the war in Ukraine, "Yabloko," has been barred from participating in the parliamentary elections scheduled for next month due to a ruling by a Moscow court. The decision was made based on a lawsuit filed by the Kremlin-supporting "Rodina" party.

In the lawsuit, "Yabloko" was accused of supporting an organization recognized as extremist in Russia because of materials published on its website in favor of the international LGBTQ movement. "Rodina" also claimed copyright infringement, alleging that one of Yabloko's leaders quoted lines from the Soviet song "Let There Always Be Sunshine" during an interview.

On August 10, hundreds gathered outside the Moscow court building in support of "Yabloko." After the court's decision was announced, some protesters chanted, "Shame, shame!"

The party had been running its campaign under the slogan, "For Peace and Freedom. For Life Without Fear," advocating for a ceasefire, diplomacy, and peace.

"Yabloko" has not been represented in the State Duma since 2003 but has participated in all parliamentary elections since then.