The European Commission has described the ban on the opposition party ‘Yabloko’ taking part in elections in Russia as further evidence of the Russian authorities’ crackdown on fundamental freedoms and an attempt by the Kremlin to silence any voices critical of the war against Ukraine. This was stated on 11 August by European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper, whilst answering questions from journalists at a briefing in Brussels.
“This is yet further evidence of Russia’s actions against fundamental freedoms and its constant pressure on opposition figures. It effectively shows that Russia is afraid, as it really does need to silence any dissenting voices,” said Hipper.
“By silencing the political opposition, the Kremlin is also eliminating any domestic voices that have criticised its unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. I could say that this came as a surprise, but it did not,” added the European Commission spokesperson.
The Yabloko party remained one of the few legal political forces in Russia that had publicly opposed the war and called for it to end.
On 10 August, the Russian Supreme Court barred the Yabloko party from the State Duma elections scheduled for 20 September. The party stated that it would appeal against this decision.