Russian opposition party leader is cited for ‘petty hooliganism’ after writing pro-peace, pro-ceasefire statements on his election ballot
Yabloko Party leader Nikolai Rybakov has been cited for petty hooliganism, an administrative offense under Part 1 of Article 20.1 of Russia’s Code of Administrative Offenses, the party’s press office said.
On September 20, Russian opposition party leader Nikolai Rybakov of the Yabloko Party cast his ballot in St. Petersburg, marking each name on the ballot and adding the messages "Yabloko: For peace" and "Yabloko: For a ceasefire agreement." The Yabloko Party, the sole political entity to incorporate antiwar slogans in their campaign, found itself stripped from the ballot following accusations of copyright infringement and unlawful campaigning.
In response, the party encouraged their supporters to visit polling stations and spoil their ballots as a form of protest. Consequently, Rybakov has been accused of petty hooliganism, a minor administrative infraction under Part 1 of Article 20.1 of Russia’s Code of Administrative Offenses, as reported by the party's press office.
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