Statement by Nikolai Rybakov and Grigory Yavlinsky, 26. 08.2021

Photo: Lev Shlosberg (right) and Grigory Yavlinsky. / Photo by the Yabloko Press Service

The Yabloko party declares with full responsibility: there are no lawful and legal grounds for removing Lev Shlosberg from the [Yabloko] party’s federal electoral list [of candidates], even within the framework of the absurd and repressive legislation which he is accused of violating. All accusations against him are untrue and deliberately orchesterated.

Lev Shlosberg is a well-known and respected Russian politician and courageous person. He is removed from the elections solely because he has been never afraid to say what he thinks.

The removal of Lev Shlosberg from the elections is another obvious step towards demonstrating contempt for Russian society, refusing millions of educated people the opportunity to participate in politics. This is another step by the authorities towards breaking with Russian society and demonstrating what the present state really is.

The Yabloko party will never agree with the arbitrariness towards Lev Shlosberg and his exclusion from the elections and will seek by all available and legal means to cancel this outrageous and unlawful decision at all levels and in all instances.

Nikolai Rybakov,

Yabloko party Chairman

Grigory Yavlinsky,

Chairman of the Federal Political Committee of Yabloko