Decision by the Federal Political Committee of Yabloko adopted on 6 December 2025, published on 21 January 2026

Photo: Yabloko Chairman Nikolai Rybakov at a single picket “Freedom for all political prisoners!”/Photo by the Yabloko Press Service

Yabloko expresses categorical protest against the intensifying pressure on civil society, the growth of political persecution and the widespread use of repressive practices against people who peacefully defend their convictions and the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution but trampled by the authorities.

Supporting political prisoners and demanding their unconditional release is our shared moral duty.

We continue our work to help those who have faced politically motivated persecution: we attend court hearings, support lawyers, organise charity auctions, actions of writing letters to political prisoners, arrange parcel deliveries and subscriptions to independent publications so that people behind bars maintain access to free information. An equally important part of our work is caring for the families of those repressed, especially in cases where the prisoner was the sole breadwinner or cared for elderly relatives. We also thank everyone who helps pay the unlawfully imposed fines: in recent times alone, their total has exceeded six million roubles.

Against the backdrop of a growing public demand for a ceasefire and the start of peace negotiations, we are witnessing an intensification of censorship, pressure and political repression.

Persecution on fabricated charges — from “discrediting the army” and “fakes” to “collaboration with undesirable organisations” or “displaying extremist symbols” — affects not only politicians but also civic activists, journalists, academics, cultural figures and representatives of the most diverse sectors of society. The purpose of such actions is clear: to sow fear, suppress public activity and silence all dissenters.

Among those subjected to political persecution are dozens of members of our party — the only official party in Russia consistently advocating for a ceasefire agreement and peaceful settlement of the conflict with Ukraine. The political motives behind the persecution of our party members are beyond doubt: criminal cases, detention in remand centres, fines, sentences to compulsory labour and imprisonment, the designation of materials as “extremist”, and fabrication of administrative cases under Article 20.3 of the Code of Administrative Offences (“displaying extremist symbols”) with the aim of barring candidates from elections. Moreover, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the persecution of our friends and colleagues is conducted with gross violations even of those repressive laws that have been adopted in Russia in recent years. Their main goal is intimidating citizens ahead of the 2026 federal elections.

Such practices destroy the legal foundations of the state, divide society, encourage the growth of xenophobia and far-right sentiments, and in the long run create the threat of the most dangerous political consequences for Russia.

We declare: the persecution of political opponents acting by lawful and peaceful means is unacceptable.

We demand the immediate cessation of repression and the unconditional release of all political prisoners, as well as the dropping of politically motivated criminal and administrative cases.

We call on society to show solidarity, support those deprived of freedom for their convictions, and help their loved ones. Only through joint efforts can we resist the escalation of fear, defend human dignity and preserve hope for peaceful and democratic change.

The Yabloko party and citizens for whom humanistic values, the rule of law and peace are important will continue to act strictly within the legal framework and do everything possible to defend every person subjected to unjust persecution.

Freedom for political prisoners!

Freedom for peaceful speech and peaceful politics!

Nikolai Rybakov,

Yabloko Chairman