Press Release, 1.06.2021

Photo: Dmitry Gudkov at the Yabloko congress. /Photo by the Yabloko Press Service

The Yabloko leaders expressed solidarity with Dmitry Gudkov, Andrei Pivovarov and other opposition figures whose houses are being searched today.

NIKOLAI RYBAKOV, CHAIRMAN OF THE YABLOKO PARTY:

– On the eve of the elections to the State Duma, the authorities intensified cleaning up of the political environment in the country. New prohibitive laws, liquidation of political organisations, searches in the houses of Dmitry Gudkov and Alexander Solovyov, the case against Andrei Pivovarov for a repost are part of this process. Its goal is to destroy the very possibility to legally engage in politics in the country.

Repressions at all times result in the growth of anger in society, radicalisation of the youth, mass-scale emigration of scientists, educated and talented people. The cause of revolutions and coups is not in opposition actions or malicious intrigues from abroad, but in tightening of the screws and the  unwillingness of the authorities to satisfy the public demand for changes.

The failed policies of the authorities lead to sharp discontent among Russians. However, instead of carrying out long-overdue reforms, raising the living standards, improving the well-being and security of the population, the Russian leadership is directing its efforts to preserving its own power. For this purpose, it is ready to use intimidation, repression and endless prohibitions.

Russia has no future without free elections and political competition. Only further stagnation and repression are in store for it. The guarantee of the civilised development of the country is change and constant dialogue between society and government. Our party is fighting for this and will continue to fight.

We demand the release of ALL political prisoners.

GRIGORY YAVLINSKY, CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERAL POLITICAL COMMITTEE OF THE YABLOKO PARTY:

– I express my solidarity with Dmitry and Gennady Gudkovs, Alexander Solovyov, Andrei Pivovarov and other political activists who fell under the roller of repression, and demand an end to the persecution. These Russian citizens are political opposition! Forceful pressure and persecution against them are politically motivated and criminal.

It should already be obvious to everyone: a new order has arrived. Any methods without restrictions will be used against the political opposition and the dissenting not only in Belarus, but also in Russia: kidnapping, poisoning, and murder.

Everyone should be ready. There is no limit.

BORIS VISHNEVSKY, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE YABLOKO PARTY:

New arrests, searches and criminal cases: Andrei Pivovarov, Dmitry Gudkov, Alexander Solovyov – political reprisals are multiplying every day.

And almost every day there come new proposals from the distraught “legislative printer” on prohibitions, punishments and deprivation of rights.

They try to intimidate civil society: to show citizens that any disagreement with the authorities is considered a punishable act.

That oppositional activity is criminalised.

That anyone who dares to be indignant at what is happening can get under the roller of a repressive machine.

Or support the persecuted.

Or demand a change of power in the elections or participate in elections as an opposition candidate.

Noone is safe.

It is easy to forecast what will come further.

“Mister Dragon ordered to convey that any hesitation will be punished as disobedience.”

Knight Lancelot will not come from the outside.

You have to cope yourself.

Freedom for political prisoners!