24 Feb 2019 | 06:21 PM UTC
Russia: Demonstrations reported in Moscow and St. Petersburg Feb. 24
Thousands march in Moscow and Saint Petersburg to commemorate death of Boris Nemtsov February 24; further protests possible February 27
Event
Thousands marched in Moscow and Saint Petersburg on Sunday, February 24, to commemorate the upcoming anniversary of the murder of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov. Participants reportedly demonstrated on Sakharov Avenue and Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge in Moscow and on Lenin Square in Saint Petersburg. According to monitoring groups, there were no incidents of unrest or arrests during the demonstrations. Additional demonstrations are possible in major urban areas on Wednesday, February 27, the anniversary date of Nemtsov's murder. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be espected in the event of further protests.
Context
Opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was murdered on Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge in Moscow on February 27, 2015. Nemtsov had reportedly been investigating the Russian government's role in the conflict in Ukraine at the time of his death. Opposition supporters maintain the government, which later convicted five people for the politician's death, covered-up many aspects of the investigation.
Advice
Individuals in Russia are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate localized disruptions and a heightened security presence in the vicinity of the protest, and avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.
