Ukraine bans pro-Russian opposition party, seizing all of its assets and money

Ukrainian authorities have banned the country’s main opposition party and seized all its assets. The move has been perceived by some as Zelensky undermining democracy.

The country’s Ministry of Justice announced the move via Facebook, revealing that the Opposition Platform – For Life had been shut down and its assets, money and property transferred to the state.

The party had previously had its operations suspended in March after it was accused of being complicit with Russia and being dubbed “anti-Ukrainian.”

The ban means that Zelensky’s main political opposition has been eliminated. The OPPL was the second largest party in the country and its popularity surpassed that of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party last year.

The leader of OPPL Viktor Medvedchuk, who stated that he is looking out for the interests of the Ukrainian people by seeking better relations with Russia, was placed under house arrest last month.

The announcement said the party was suspected of acting to “undermine the sovereignty” of Ukraine, with authorities have already banned 10 other political opposition parties for the same reason.

The move to ban the OPPL follows Zelensky’s passage of legislation that allows the government to ban any political party that challenges official regime policy on the Russian invasion, Summit News reports. The legislation enables the courts to seize assets while depriving opposition parties of the right to appeal.

Canadian outlet Rebel News reported in May that Ukraine has moved to silence critics both within the country and those living outside of Ukraine. Anatoly Anatoliyevich Shariy, a popular YouTube commentator, was arrested in Spain on behalf of Ukraine after speaking out against the Zelensky government.