In a significant development, a Moscow court has barred Yabloko, Russia's sole liberal and anti-war political party, from participating in next month's parliamentary elections. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by Rodina, a pro-Kremlin nationalist party, alleging that Yabloko supported an extremist organization and infringed on copyright laws. The Kremlin-controlled Central Electoral Commission had initially approved Yabloko's candidate list in late July. However, several party members, including two deputy chairmen and deputy leader Maxim Kruglov, were previously barred from running due to social media posts about civilian casualties in Ukrainian cities. The hearing, which drew hundreds of supporters outside the Moscow courthouse, marked a rare public gathering for Russians opposed to the war. Yabloko has been Russia's most consistent anti-war voice since 2003, opposing conflicts such as the war on Chechnya and the annexation of Crimea. With United Russia's ratings declining due to inflation, internet blackouts, and drone strikes, Yabloko's support had been surging. The government's decision to disqualify Yabloko may discourage voters who oppose the ruling party from participating in the election, potentially benefiting the Kremlin. All other parties contesting the election either support or remain silent on Russia's war in Ukraine. Independent election watchdogs have been constrained in their ability to monitor and challenge the electoral process.