With the approach of the parliamentary elections in September in Russia, the supporters of Alexei Navalny are still more threatened. The organizations of the Russian opponent are facing a procedure for “extremism” and a novelty on Tuesday: deputies adopted at first reading a bill prohibiting people involved in groups labeled as “extremists” from standing for legislative elections .
“Dear colleagues, there are so many constitutional provisions that are being violated that I do not even know how we can discuss them and how we can vote for them. They say to me: “we are going to add amendments” but how to add amendments to a law which completely violates several articles of the Constitution? “, declared Valéry Gartung, member of” Just Russia “.
One more maneuver against the entourage of Alexei Navalny targeted by multiple offensives by the Russian authorities since the beginning of the year. Ineligible since 2017, Navalny was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for a fraud case dating back to 2014, widely regarded as political.
The ballot promises to be delicate for the ruling United Russia party, against a backdrop of voter fatigue, economic stagnation, corruption scandals, despite the still real popularity of President Vladimir Putin.
To enter into force, the law must still be adopted in second and third readings by the Duma and then pass before the upper house of Parliament. Steps that are generally a formality in institutions controlled by the Kremlin. The second reading is scheduled for May 25.
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