The UN's Criticism Comes As The Party Was Barred From The Ballot, A Move That Has Drawn International Attention To The State Of Democratic

The United Nations has condemned the exclusion of the Russian anti-war party Yabloko from the parliamentary elections in September. The office of UN Human Rights Commissioner Türk called on the Russian authorities to respect freedom of expression and the right to unrestricted participation in elections. The UN's criticism comes as the party was barred from the ballot, a move that has drawn international attention to the state of democratic processes in Russia.

The UN Human Rights Office emphasized the importance of upholding fundamental political rights, urging Moscow to ensure a level playing field for all political parties ahead of the vote. The statement underscores growing concerns over the shrinking space for political opposition in the country.