25 Feb 2019 | 09:07 PM UTC
Russia: Unauthorized protests likely in Moscow and St. Petersburg Feb. 27 /update 1
Unauthorized protests commemorating death of Boris Nemtsov likely in Moscow and St. Petersburg February 27; anticipate heavy security presence and associated traffic disruptions
Event
Unauthorized demonstrations commemorating the 2015 murder of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov are expected in Moscow and St. Petersburg on Wednesday, February 27. In Moscow, protesters are likely to gather at Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge, the site of Nemtsov's murder.
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected near protest sites.
Context
On February 24, hundreds of people took part in related protests authorized by authorities in Moscow and St. Petersburg to commemorate the upcoming anniversary of the murder of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov. According to monitoring groups, there were no incidents of unrest or arrests during the demonstrations.
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 Moscow and St. Petersburg are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate localized traffic disruptions and a heightened security presence near protests, and avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.
