Vladimir Putin promulgated the law that will allow him to exclude opponents from the elections

The Russian President, Vladimir Poutine, promulgated this Friday the law which prohibits anyone involved in the activities of organizations considered to be extremists from running for office in local and federal elections.

The controversial law, which particularly affects the movement of the imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny, was approved unanimously this week by the Senate and last week by the Duma or lower house.

The founders and leaders of these “extremist or terrorist” organizations They cannot be elected for five years from the entry into force of the court decision. on the liquidation or prohibition of these structures, a period which, in the case of employees and members, will be three years.

In addition, the measure is retroactive, which is why it was rejected in the Duma by the communist opposition and was considered “unconstitutional” by supporters of Navalny.

“In Russia, a law has been passed which recognizes as complicit in extremism all those who are linked, in one way or another, to Navalny. This law stinks of fascism“Iliá Yashin, an ally of the leader of the opposition, said on Twitter.

Those who held a position of responsibility in organizations declared extremist by a judge three years before the judgment and members, a year before, will be vetoed.

Those who support these organizations can also be vetoed, whether through donations, advice or statements of support on the Internet. A simple “like” on social networks can be a reason for the rejection of the application.

According to Navalny collaborators, the law could affect more than 200,000 people who have worked or collaborated with their organizations.

On June 9, the trial begins which could declare the non-profit organizations founded by Navalny extremists: the Anti-Corruption Fund (FBK), the Fund for the Protection of Citizens’ Rights (FZPG) and the network of offices of the leader’s movement. of the opposition.

However, the rule will not apply to elections that have already been called before its entry into force. In other words, it will not affect the legislative elections in September.

The opposition accused the Kremlin of launching a campaign of “judicial persecution” and “political purge” before the Duma elections., which began with the poisoning of Navalny in August 2020.

This week, two well-known opponents were arrested, including Dmitry Gudkov, who was planning to run as head of the Yábloko Liberal Party list, despite being released last night without charge after 48 hours in prison.

Despite accusations of corruption and abuse of power, Putin this week supported the Kremlin Party, United Russia, for its “productive” contribution to the country’s social and economic development, and for putting “the interests of the people first. plan “.

According to polls, United Russia’s voting intention is less than 30% in Russia and around 15% in Moscow, where Navalny has many supporters, just over three months away from the parliamentary elections in September.

(With information from EFE)

KEEP READING: