Russia’s liberal Yabloko party said authorities detained two of its candidates for the State Duma in Moscow.
The party identified the candidates as Anna Shatunovskaya-Byurno and Grigory Grishin. Police detained them separately and took both politicians to local stations.
Later, both candidates said authorities charged them with publicly displaying “extremist” symbols. Officials have used the administrative offense against opposition candidates this summer.
The charges can potentially prevent candidates from participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
More Yabloko Candidates Face Detentions
The latest detentions followed the arrest of another Yabloko candidate, Artyom Snegovsky, on Tuesday.
Authorities accused Snegovsky of “discrediting” the Russian military through social media posts. Police later released him from custody.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Supreme Court last month cancelled the registration of Yabloko’s federal candidate list for September’s parliamentary elections.
However, candidates contesting single-member districts can still participate in the vote.
Under Russia’s electoral system, voters elect 450 State Duma members through two methods. Political parties receiving more than 5% of votes share 225 seats.
Candidates who win single-member constituency races secure the remaining 225 seats.
Opposition Candidates Face Disqualifications
According to the exiled news outlet Vyorstka, authorities have already disqualified at least 19 Yabloko candidates contesting single-member districts.
Officials cited various alleged violations, including extremist-related issues, documentation problems and foreign-agent concerns.
Yabloko remains Russia’s oldest liberal political party. It also remains the country’s only registered party campaigning on a pro-peace platform.
The recent detentions have intensified concerns over restrictions facing opposition candidates before Russia’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
