Russian opposition politician Yelena Perepelitsova has been sentenced to four years in a penal colony after she donated money to the Anti-Corruption Foundation, founded by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Russian authorities have designated the organization as extremist. Perepelitsova denies that she knowingly financed extremist activity. The sentencing comes at a time when Russian authorities are intensifying pressure on the Yabloko opposition party.
Politician denies knowingly supporting extremism
Perepelitsova is a member of Yabloko, a liberal party in Russia. According to Reuters, as cited by TASR, the court found her guilty of providing funds to the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK).
The foundation was established by Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian authorities have labeled it both a “foreign agent” and, later, an extremist organization.
Yabloko confirmed the court’s verdict via its Telegram channel and also published a statement by Perepelitsova. In her statement, she rejected allegations that she knowingly financed extremist activities.
The verdict highlights the discrepancy between the Russian authorities’ legal view of the banned foundation and Perepelitsova’s position, as she denies intentional support of extremism.
Yabloko faces mounting pressure from authorities
According to available reports, Perepelitsova is the third Yabloko party member to be imprisoned by Russian authorities in less than four months.
In June, a court sentenced party deputy chairman Maxim Kruglov to seven years in prison for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian army. In August, another deputy chairman, Lev Shlosberg, was sentenced to 11 years and one month for repeated “discreditation” of the military and allegedly sharing false information.
Yabloko is among the few Russian political parties that openly oppose the war in Ukraine. At the same time, the Russian Supreme Court has barred it from participating in the September 2026 parliamentary elections.
The clampdown on opposition forces in Russia is also highlighted by reports of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas criticizing the conduct of Russian elections and flagging the possibility of sanctions.
Opposition activists face criminal prosecution risks
After Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many opposition politicians and activists left the country. Those who remained face the threat of criminal prosecution for making anti-war statements or otherwise expressing dissent against the government.
Alexei Navalny played a key role in Russia’s opposition, consistently exposing corruption in public life and the ties between political authorities and wealthy businessmen. He died in prison in February 2024.
More about his anti-corruption work can be found in the article “A year has passed since Navalny’s poisoning. Politician urges world leaders to step up the fight against corruption.”
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
