Communities of Democracy mourns Nemtsov

The Secretary General of the Community of Democracies says it was shocked and saddened to learn of the murder of a leading opposition figure in Russia, former Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov.

In a statement by the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, Ambassador Maria Leissner, the body described Nemtsov as a courageous and devoted advocate for democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Russia.

“He spoke tirelessly for the rights and liberties of the Russian people, and served as an inspiration to democracy activists around the world,” the statement said.

It would be recalled that Nemtsov was shot in the back following a drive by shooting, an act Communities of Democracy described as “a cowardly act that contrasts with the bravery of his everyday activity. The people of Russia lost a dedicated advocate of their rights, but the values for which he stood shall not die – they continue to live in the hearts of the citizens, who carry his message with courage and determination.”

“The Secretary General extends her condolences to Mr. Nemtsov’s family and friends, and expects those responsible for the murder to be held accountable,” the statement said.

On 1 March, tens of thousands of people marched in central Moscow on Sunday to honour the memory of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was gunned down near the Kremlin in the highest-profile assassination of Vladimir Putin’s rule.

A sea of grim supporters, holding Russian flags and Nemtsov portraits, marched in drizzle from a packed Moscow square to the bridge over the Moskva where the 55-year-old was shot in the back shortly before midnight Friday.

In what appeared to be the largest opposition gathering since anti-Kremlin rallies in 2011-12 brought more than 100,000 people into the streets, marchers honoured Nemtsov’s memory while slamming Moscow’s stance on Ukraine.

“These bullets are for each of us,” read a huge banner at the head of the march while others stated “I am Boris”, “I am not afraid” and “Propaganda kills.”

“Stop the war” in Ukraine, said others.

Organisers said 70,000 people turned out while police estimated the crowd at some 21,000.

Marching with his young son, engineer Alexander Akulin, dubbed Nemtsov’s death “political murder.”

“Political terror will intensify now,” he warned.

Another 6,000 people, some wrapped in Ukrainian flags, turned out in Russia’s second city, Saint Petersburg.

“I am carrying a Ukrainian flag because he fought for the end of the Ukraine war. And they killed him because of that,” said marcher Vsevolod Nelayev.

Hours before the killing, Nemtsov went on radio to urge Russians to join him at a Sunday rally in Moscow to protest against the Ukraine war and Putin’s rule.

After his murder the protest was turned into a memorial march, with authorities approving a turnout of 50,000.