The Real Danger of Russia’s Fake Elections

Live updates

1. 26d ago

   Russia Maintains Election Ban on Opposition Yabloko Party

   Russia has barred the opposition Yabloko party from participating in elections, amid increased pressure on the party and its members. Yabloko's deputy head has been jailed, and anti-war politician Lev Shlosberg was sentenced to 11 years and one month in prison. The party has become a focal point for Russians' discontent with the government.

   Why it matters

   The Yabloko party has faced mounting pressure from the Russian government, which has led to concerns about the fairness of upcoming elections. The party's exclusion from the ballot has sparked criticism that the elections are not free or fair. Russia's actions have been widely condemned by human rights groups and Western governments.

   What is confirmed

   • Russia has maintained its ban on the opposition Yabloko party participating in elections.
   • Yabloko's deputy head has been jailed.
   • Lev Shlosberg was sentenced to 11 years and one month in prison for opposing the war in Ukraine.
   • The Yabloko party has become a vessel for Russians' discontent with the government.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of upcoming elections in Russia
   • Further actions against Yabloko party members
   • International response to Russia's crackdown on opposition voices
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. Al Jazeera — Russia maintains election ban on opposition Yabloko, jails deputy head
   2. The New York Times — Barred From Ballot, a Party Becomes a Vessel for Russians’ Discontent
   3. Forbes — Putin Is Afraid Of An Election He Can’t Lose
   4. Amnesty International — Russia: Anti-war politician Lev Shlosberg sentenced to 11 years and one month in prison amid mounting pressure on his Yabloko party
   5. CNN — Russian court jails Kremlin critic for 11 years for opposing the war in Ukraine
   6. The Bulwark — The Real Danger of Russia’s Fake Elections
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