Russia Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Yabloko Party

Moscow – Russia’s Supreme Court on Monday confirmed the disqualification of the liberal opposition party Yabloko from the September legislative elections, removing the nation’s sole explicitly anti‑war party from the ballot. The ruling, which follows a series of legal challenges against the party’s registration, was issued as dozens of Yabloko supporters gathered outside the court and were detained by security forces.

The decision arrives amid an intensifying crackdown on individuals and groups critical of Russia’s war in Ukraine, with authorities increasingly using judicial and police measures to limit dissent ahead of the upcoming vote. Observers note that the exclusion of Yabloko narrows the already limited space for organized opposition, raising concerns about the inclusiveness of the electoral process and the broader suppression of anti‑war voices in the country.