Russia: Statement by the Spokesperson marking eleven years since the murder of Boris Nemtsov in Moscow

Today marks the eleventh year of the assassination of Boris Nemtsov in Moscow, shot dead on 27 February 2015 near the Kremlin. Boris Nemtsov served as Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Governor of Nizhny Novgorod and was a prominent leader of the Russian liberal opposition.

He has left an important political legacy, having advocated for a modern, prosperous, and democratic Russia, inspiring many. Since his assassination, the human rights situation in Russia has only worsened. Crackdown and increasing restrictions on civil society, the independent media, political opposition, and dissenting voices are ongoing, alongside Russia’s systemic failure to meet its international obligations to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners. In his last days of life, Boris Nemtsov denounced Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Ever since the aggression has only increased and transformed into the full-scale invasion. Every day, the Ukrainian population suffers Russia’s horrific atrocities.

The European Union recalls the adoption in 2024 of a Russia-specific human rights sanctions regime. So far, 62 individuals and 1 entity responsible for serious violations of human rights, the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and activities that seriously undermine democracy and the rule of law in Russia have been sanctioned within this regime.

The European Union remains determined in its commitment to the protection of human rights, justice and accountability, in Russia and everywhere else.