In Russia, ahead of the upcoming legislative elections, the government has increased pressure on individuals who criticize the ongoing war in Ukraine. This repression has affected a wide range of people across different sectors of society, including journalists, artists, and activists. Under Russian law, challenging the war can result in serious prison sentences. These elections, the first since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, are not considered free or fair, as opposition voices are systematically silenced. One of the most prominent anti-war political parties, Iabloko, was banned from participating in the elections, limiting the space for political dissent. Beyond politics, civil society figures are also being targeted. Lida Moniava, a well-known Russian philanthropist and head of the House of the Lighthouse—a care center for children with serious illnesses such as cancer—was arrested in Moscow on September 2 for "dissemination of false information." Her arrest was linked to a Telegram post from February 24, 2023, which cited United Nations data on civilian casualties in Ukraine. After being interrogated, she was released pending trial but is now under judicial supervision until October 30. During this time, she is not allowed to leave her home between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. and is prohibited from using the Internet. The legal basis for such actions is Article 207.3 of the Russian penal code, introduced in March 2022 shortly after the invasion of Ukraine. This law criminalizes criticism of the war and the spread of information deemed "false" by the government. The penalties can range from five to ten years in prison, with sentences of up to fifteen years if the court determines that the information caused "serious consequences." This law has been used to target a wide range of individuals, including journalists, artists, healthcare workers, former police officers, and political opponents. Recently, Lev Chlosberg, vice-president of the opposition party Iabloko, was sentenced to eleven years in prison for participating in a pro-war debate and for a social media post from February 25, 2022. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned these measures and urged the Russian government to repeal the repressive law and release those imprisoned solely for peacefully expressing their opposition to the war. As the legislative elections approach, the crackdown continues, further restricting the space for free expression and dissent in Russia.