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Russia Supreme Court Upholds Yabloko’s Duma Ballot Removal

8/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Russia's Supreme Court upheld Yabloko's removal from the State Duma ballot on 17 August 2026, citing foreign funding and campaign violations.
A Pskov court sentenced Yabloko deputy chairman Lev Shlosberg, 63, to 11 years and one month in a penal colony for “discrediting” the army.
Amnesty International called the prosecution “arbitrary,” urged Shlosberg’s release and the repeal of the anti-war law.

History

Historical Context

Russia adopted the foreign-agents law in 2012 and expanded it in 2014, 2017 and 2022 to cover NGOs, media and individuals. By October 2016 the Justice Ministry had listed 105 NGOs, and the European Court of Human Rights later ruled the regime violated basic rights. The Supreme Court decision to bar Yabloko and imprison deputy Lev Shlosberg follows this escalating legal framework.

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Story summary

Russia's Supreme Court upheld Yabloko's removal from the State Duma ballot on 17 August 2026, citing foreign funding and campaign violations.
A Pskov court sentenced Yabloko deputy chairman Lev Shlosberg, 63, to 11 years and one month in a penal colony for “discrediting” the army.
Amnesty International called the prosecution “arbitrary,” urged Shlosberg’s release and the repeal of the anti-war law.

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