Why is Russia's Yabloko party barred from upcoming election?

Russia's Yabloko party, known for its anti-war stance and symbolized by the apple, has been barred from the upcoming parliamentary election following a ruling by the country's highest court. The decision was reached after the pro-Kremlin party Rodina claimed that Yabloko had infringed on copyright with its campaign materials, engaged in extremist activities, and received illegal foreign financing.

The ruling was made by Judge Vyacheslav Kirillov, who has previously banned a human rights organization and dismissed legal complaints against the Russian prison service. Despite the court's decision, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the courthouse, distributing apples and singing in solidarity with Yabloko, with leader Nikolai Rybakov vowing to appeal the verdict.

The party's founders, including Grigory Yavlinsky, have emphasized that they have not broken any Russian laws and that the party's platform focuses on peace, freedom, and a life without fear. Russian opposition leaders living abroad, such as Yulia Navalnaya, have also voiced their support for Yabloko, arguing that the party's existence highlights the opposition to President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.

Political scientists and analysts have suggested that the Kremlin's decision may be a result of power struggles within the government or a response to the growing anti-war sentiment among Russian citizens, who support a political alternative to the current war policy.