February 27, 2015
The assassination of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov occurred in Moscow. Nemtsov, a prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, was shot dead near the Kremlin, sparking international condemnation and protests.
Moscow, Russia | none
On February 27, 2015, Boris Nemtsov, a prominent Russian opposition leader and vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, was assassinated in Moscow. This event took place near the Kremlin, a location symbolically significant due to its proximity to the center of Russian political power.
Boris Nemtsov was a well-known figure in Russian politics. He rose to prominence in the 1990s, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister under President Boris Yeltsin. Over the years, Nemtsov became a leading voice in the opposition against Vladimir Putin’s government, criticizing policies he viewed as authoritarian and corrupt. He was actively involved in organizing protests and was a key figure in the Russian pro-democracy movement.
On the night of February 27, 2015, Nemtsov was walking across the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge, accompanied by his girlfriend, Anna Duritskaya. He was shot four times in the back by an unknown assailant who fled the scene in a car. The murder occurred just before Nemtsov was scheduled to lead a major opposition rally against the Russian government’s policies, particularly its involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
The assassination of Boris Nemtsov sent shockwaves through Russia and the international community. It was widely condemned by world leaders and human rights organizations, who called for a thorough investigation into the murder. In Russia, thousands of people participated in marches and vigils to honor Nemtsov and protest against his killing.
The Russian authorities launched an investigation into the assassination, which led to the arrest of several suspects. In 2017, five men from Chechnya were convicted of carrying out the murder, although questions remained about who ordered the assassination. Many of Nemtsov’s supporters and international observers criticized the investigation, suggesting it failed to uncover the true masterminds behind the crime.
The assassination of Boris Nemtsov highlighted the dangers faced by political opposition figures in Russia and underscored concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in the country. It also intensified scrutiny of President Putin’s government and its handling of dissent.
Nemtsov’s death is remembered as a pivotal moment in modern Russian history, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for political reform and human rights in the country. His legacy continues to inspire activists and opposition figures both within Russia and around the world.
Source: en.wikipedia.org