“Russia is afraid, which is why it silences dissenting voices”

Brussels – The banning of the Yabloko party, the last Russian opposition party not directly controlled by the state? “It essentially shows that Russia is afraid and therefore really needs to eliminate any dissenting voice.” This is the European Commission’s position on the ruling by the Moscow Supreme Court, which yesterday (10 August) barred the opposition party, and above all one opposed to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, Yabloko, from the parliamentary elections in September. 

During the daily press briefing, the European Commission spokesperson, Anita Hipper, underlined that the ruling is nothing more than “further evidence of Russia’s actions against fundamental freedoms and its ongoing pressure on opposition figures.” By silencing the political opposition, “the Kremlin is eliminating any internal voices critical of its unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine,” she added, emphasising that this should be “a surprise, but it is not.” 

Criticism of the affair has also come from the European Democratic Party, which, on its social media channels, described the decision as “yet another attack on political pluralism and the democratic opposition.” According to party representatives, “Putin’s regime” fears any voice “calling for peace, freedom, and democracy.” Therefore, Europe must stand alongside these voices. For the Democrats, this can only be achieved by increasing pressure on the Kremlin, imposing further targeted sanctions, and supporting those fighting for a free, peaceful, and democratic Russia. 

With over 28,000 members, 79 regional branches and more than 600 local organisations, the United Russian Democratic Party
Yabloko

advocates a socially oriented market economy, equal opportunities, the inviolability of private property, political and economic competition, and the strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of law. The party also collaborates with human rights and environmental organisations, trade unions, and new civic initiatives working to protect human rights in the social sphere. Its slogan is “For freedom and justice!”