"No registered party has ever been removed from elections": Yabloko chairman testifies at the Supreme Court
In the Supreme Court, Yabloko party chairman Nikolai Rybakov defended the political group that the Rodina party is attempting to disqualify from the State Duma elections. He emphasized that the plaintiffs failed to provide any legal expertise or cite any legal provisions, while such decisions regarding registered parties have never been made in the country's history.
The absurdity of the accusations and the program for peaceful change
In his speech, Nikolai Rybakov thoroughly examined the opponents' claims regarding Yabloko's election stance and symbols. He argued that the plaintiff is attempting to turn legitimate political competition into an offense.
The plaintiff is attempting to blame us for the very fact that our platform differs from those of other parties, that we criticize their policies, and that we openly declare the need for peaceful change. The plaintiff has even gone so far as to claim that the slogan "for peace and change" demeans the dignity of those who vote for other parties.
The politician also denied allegations of financial support from abroad. He noted that, according to preliminary polls, Yabloko received support from approximately 20,5 million people. Moreover, donations come exclusively from Russian citizens, and all payments undergo a strict verification process. Ultimately, Rybakov added that normal political diversity is impossible without the existence of different parties.
Response to accusations of "foreign influence"
Nevertheless, the Yabloko leader paid special attention to Rodina's attempts to accuse the party of ties to foreign power centers. According to him, Yabloko is opposed by completely opposite organizations, including the Russian Volunteer Corps, which is designated a terrorist organization, and the "undesirable organization" Free Russia Forum.
Look at the organizations banned in Russia you're using the same words with. And by your own logic, a military organization involved in combat operations—the Russian Volunteer Corps—is financing the Rodina party's campaign against Yabloko.
Hundreds of supporters and police vans outside the courthouse
Meanwhile, hundreds of people continue to gather outside the Supreme Court building to express their support for the party. Two police vans have already arrived at the courthouse, but so far, security forces have made no arrests.
Moreover, citizens awaiting the court's decision are behaving calmly. They are watching the live broadcast of the hearing on the Supreme Court's official VKontakte page.
