Russian Nationalist Party Appeals Election Ban

Rodina's campaign advertisement, criticized as xenophobic, was the reason behind the election ban (RFE/RL) 1 December 2005 -- Russia's nationalist Rodina (Motherland) party is appealing a court ruling that banned it from running for seats in Moscow's city legislature.

Party officials said Rodina today appealed to the Supreme Court against the ruling by the Moscow Municipal Court.

On 26 November, the lower court banned Rodina from taking part in the 4 December elections because of a campaign advertisement that critics say is xenophobic.

The lawsuit to ban Rodina from the election was filed by another nationalist party, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, which accused Rodina of inciting ethnic hatred.

The Supreme Court is set to rule on Rodina's appeal before the poll on 4 December.

(ITAR-TASS/Interfax)