Russian Critic Nadezhdin Says Legal Pressure Forces Exit

Russian opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin announced that he is stepping back from politics for the time being, citing what he described as politically motivated legal actions that have prevented him from running in this year's parliamentary elections.

The 63-year-old former liberal lawmaker has long criticized Russia's war in Ukraine and sought to promote his views while operating within Russia's political system.

In a statement, Nadezhdin said a series of official decisions had left him unable to continue his legal opposition activities. On Friday, he was fined for displaying what authorities called “extremist symbols”. Earlier this month, Russia's Justice Ministry designated him a “foreign agent”.

According to Nadezhdin, the two decisions have barred him from standing in the State Duma elections, the lower house of parliament, scheduled for September. He also said he has been prohibited from leaving Russia.

“They are silencing me, forcing me out of politics and making my life extremely difficult. I have exhausted all legal avenues for opposition activity in Russia”, Nadezhdin said. “For me, the possibilities for legally engaging in opposition politics in Russia have been exhausted.”

The Kremlin says Western countries are attempting to destabilize Russia ahead of the elections and argues that restrictions on dissent are necessary to preserve national unity during the war in Ukraine.

(Reuters, bak)