Thousands were converging Sunday in central Moscow to mourn veteran liberal politician Boris Nemtsov, whose killing on the streets of the capital has shaken Russia’s beleaguered opposition.
President Vladimir Putin has marginalized and intimidated his political opponents, jailing some and driving others into exile. Nemtsov, 55, was among the few prominent opposition figures who had refused to be cowed.
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Opposition activists had planned a protest rally on Sunday, which the city demanded they hold in a suburban neighborhood. After Nemtsov’s death, they called instead for a demonstration to mourn him in central Moscow. The city gave its quick approval.
