Russia's Top Court Rejects Yabloko Appeal, Party Out of Duma Race

Russia's Supreme Court on Monday upheld a ruling that removes the Yabloko party from the ballot for next month's State Duma elections, effectively ending the opposition party's bid to return to parliament.

The appellate panel rejected appeals from both Yabloko and the nationalist Rodina party, confirming an earlier Supreme Court decision from August 10. The ruling comes after the Central Election Commission had initially approved Yabloko's participation alongside ten other parties.

Party leader Nikolai Rybakov said outside the court that Yabloko would file a supervisory appeal with the Supreme Court's Presidium and would also approach the Constitutional Court. He vowed to use every legal avenue to secure the party's reinstatement, saying the goal was to give citizens a peaceful way to vote for peace and a ceasefire.

Rybakov also expressed solidarity with deputy chairman Lev Shlosberg, who was sentenced to 11 years and one month in prison on charges related to discrediting the Russian military. He described Shlosberg as one of several political prisoners who had campaigned against the conflict in Ukraine.

Supporters gathered outside the courthouse in Moscow, where police detained at least 35 people who had arrived for the public hearing, according to Rybakov. Detained individuals were reportedly held on charges of petty hooliganism.

Yabloko, once a leading liberal force in parliament, had gained renewed support among young voters and exiled opposition figures after being cleared for the ballot. Its campaign focused on ceasefire negotiations, diplomacy, and preventing nuclear war.

The party's removal followed a lawsuit by the Rodina party, which alleged copyright violations, campaign spending overruns, and unlawful positions on Ukraine. Yabloko has denied all accusations.