The Russian Central Election Commission has blocked anti-war politician Alexey Navalny from facing Vladimir Putin in the presidential election next March. Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, had indicated his intention to stand in the election as an independent candidate, but the commission rejected his application due to a criminal conviction in what many have seen as a politically motivated case. Navalny has been a vocal advocate for the ending of Russia’s campaign in Syria and has been one of Putin’s most vocal opponents. Navalny and his supporters have called the decision a “blatant violation” of his right to run for office and are considering legal action. The decision is likely to further undermine the legitimacy of the election and has been widely condemned by international human rights groups.
Russian anti-war candidate blocked from facing Putin in presidential election
