In a move that has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and opposition leaders, a Moscow court has dealt a severe blow to Russia's last remaining liberal, anti-war party by ruling that it will not be allowed to participate in next month's parliamentary elections. The party, which has long been a vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin's military campaign in Ukraine, was seeking to register its candidates for the elections, but the court has now deemed its actions "unlawful." This decision is seen as a further crackdown on dissenting voices in Russia, where opposition parties have faced increasing scrutiny and repression in recent years. As a result, it appears that the country's parliament will remain dominated by pro-Kremlin parties, further limiting the ability of critics to hold the government accountable.
Russia's only liberal, anti-war party will not be able to take part in next month's parliamentary elections, a Moscow court rules.
