RUSSIA: The Assassination of Boris Nemtsov

This week marks nine years since the death of Russia's most prominent opposition. Once dubbed Russia "Golden Boy", Boris Nemtsov rose through the ranks to speak out against Putin's regime and the corruption in the country. The mystery around his death has lasted a long time. While five Chechens faced arrest and prosecution, the crucial question lingered: were they the actual perpetrators, or were they potentially framed by the Russian government to conceal the alleged involvement of Vladimir Putin ordering the FSB to eliminate his opposition?

In this blog post, we will have a look at Nemtsov's life, political career and finally his assassination, investigation and the potential guilty parties. 

Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov

EARLY LIFE

Boris Yefimovich Nemtsov was born on October 9, 1959, in Sochi, Russia. His parents, Yefim Davidovich Nemtsov and Dina Yakovlevna Nemtsova, were both middle class, well educated people. His mother was of Jewish descent and worked as a paediatrician, and his father was a Russian Orthodox and worked as a deputy director of a state-owned building firm. They divorced when Boris was five years old. He grew up in Gorky, now known as Nizhny Novgorod. After completing high school, Nemtsov pursued a degree in physics at the State University of Gorky, studying from 1976 and earning his degree in 1981.

At the age of 25, in 1985, he obtained a PhD in Physics and Mathematics from the same university. Following his academic achievements, Nemtsov began his career as a research fellow at the Radio Physical Research Institute. During this period, he authored over 60 academic publications on topics such as quantum physics, thermodynamics, and acoustics. Notably, he proposed a theoretical model for an acoustic laser and introduced a novel design for antennas used in space probes.

FAMILY LIFE

Boris Nemtsov had a complex personal life. He initially married Raisa Akhmetovna, and they had a daughter named Zhanna in 1984. Although the couple separated, they never officially divorced. Subsequently, Nemtsov entered into a relationship with journalist Yekaterina Odintsova, and they had two children: a son named Anton, born in 1995, and a daughter named Dina, born in 2002. Two years later, Nemtsov had another daughter, Sofya, with his secretary, Irina Korolyova.

He also had a son with Yekaterina Iftodi. They met in 2013, and she had to sue to have the boy acknowledged. Nemtsov's other children refused to cooperate in the investigation but a DNA was done with material collected from the crime scene. The Moscow district court ruled that the child was Boris Nemtsov's, in a closed session. They ordered that his son be issued a passport with the name Boris Borisovich Nemtsov. 

At the time of his tragic death, Boris Nemtsov was in a relationship with Ukrainian model Anna Durytska, who was also a finalist for Miss Ukraine. She served as the sole witness to his murder.

Boris and his daughter, Zhanna, in 1996

POLITICAL CAREER

Boris Nemtsov's political journey began in 1986 when he gained prominence by leading a successful protest against the construction of a nuclear-fired boiler plant in his hometown after the Chernobyl disaster. Transitioning into formal politics in 1989, he advocated for multiparty democracy and private enterprise during his run for the Soviet Congress of People's Deputies, though he did not secure victory until 1990 in Russia's first free elections.

Following his election, Nemtsov aligned with the "Reform Coalition" and "Centre-Left" groups in the Russian parliament, working on agricultural reform and foreign trade liberation. During this period, he formed a close relationship with Boris Yeltsin. His unwavering support during the October 1991 coup attempt earned him the position of Governor of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, a role he successfully held for two terms until 1995.

Nemtsov's political trajectory continued upwards as he joined the Federation Council in 1993 and later became the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia in 1997, focusing on energy sector reforms. Despite being considered a potential successor to Yeltsin, his fortunes took a downturn in 1998 due to the Russian stock market crash and ensuing economic crisis.

Nemtsov's achievements included combating corruption, implementing anti-corruption laws, and enhancing transparency in oil sales during his tenure. He co-founded the Union of Right Forces in 1999 but faced challenges in collaborating with the Kremlin. Subsequently, he resigned from party leadership in 2004, co-authored a critical article on Putin's leadership, and co-founded "Committee 2008."

Later on, Nemtsov delved into business, holding roles in Neftyanoi Bank and Neftyanoi Concern. However, allegations of money laundering and fraud led to his resignation in 2005. His involvement in international politics included supporting Viktor Yushchenko during the 2004 Ukrainian presidential elections, leading to a subsequent role as an economic adviser. However, tensions arose, and he was dismissed in 2006.

Nemtsov's later years saw him engaged in various political activities, from co-founding Solidarnost in 2008 to running for mayor of Sochi in 2009. Despite facing obstacles, such as the denial of registration for the People's Freedom Party in 2010, he continued to be a vocal critic of the Putin administration, particularly in issues related to the Sochi Olympics and Russian national security.

Boris Nemtsov and Boris Yeltsin

ARRESTS 

Nemtsov faced multiple arrests in his activism against President Putin. In 2007, he was apprehended during an unauthorized protest near the State Hermitage Museum, released later that day. In 2010, he, along with other opposition leaders, was arrested during a rally against government restrictions, leading to a 15-day jail sentence. 

His arrests drew international condemnation, with US Senators McCain and Lieberman expressing concern, and Amnesty International labeling him a prisoner of conscience. The Economist criticized Russia's governance, calling Nemtsov's arrest a "new low." Despite authorized rallies and video evidence supporting Nemtsov's innocence, he faced charges of disobeying the police. 

In 2011, while imprisoned, he described dire conditions and attributed his detention to political decisions. Nemtsov's persistent activism led to further arrests during the 2011 protests in Moscow.

ASSASSINATION

Boris Nemtsov expressed concerns about his safety three weeks before his murder. Even his mother was fearful that Putin might try to harm him. This worry also exteded to Nemtsov's close associates. Unfortunately, these fears came true quite soon. 

Just before midnight on 27th February 2015, Nemtsov was fatally shot from behind while crossing the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge in Moscow. This occurred near the Kremlin walls and Red Square. 

Nemtsov had been walking home after having dinner with his girlfriend, Anna Duritskaya. She wintessed his murder, but was not hurt herself. At the time, all the cameras in the area were turned off due to maintenance. The only video of the murder was obtained from a TV station studio, that was very far away. It showed person escaping in a white or grey vehicle from the scene of the crime. Unfortunately, the camera was blocked by a municipal utility vehicle.  

Nemtsov's death occured less than two days before he was scheduled to participate in a peace rally opposing Russian involvement in the Ukraine war and the financial crisis. His final tweet called for unity among Russia's divided opposition at an anti-war march he had planned. 

Anna Duritskaya

INVESTIGATION

Following his murder, Russian President Vladimir Putin took "personal control" over the investigation.  

A police search of his apartment on Malaya Ordynka street led to the confiscation of his papers, writings, and computer hard drives.

On March 7, 2015, the head of the Federal Security Service, Alexander Bortnikov, announced the arrest of two suspects, Anzor Gubashev and Zaur Dadaev, both from the Northern Caucasus. Dadaev, a former second-in-command of the Sever battalion, confessed to killing Boris Nemtsov due to the latter's criticism of Islam and Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov. Gubashev denied involvement. Three others were detained, one of whom detonated a hand grenade during an arrest attempt.

Ruslan Geremeev, head of the Sever unit Dadaev served in, was a suspect, and after the murder, he reportedly left Russia for the United Arab Emirates. Kadyrov defended Dadaev, citing his bravery and awards, but Dadaev's mother contradicted claims of his strong religious beliefs. Nemtsov's pre-murder statement on the Kadyrov-Putin contract and the uncertain motives behind the killing raised questions. In July 2017, Dadaev received a 20-year prison sentence, and others involved were sentenced to 11-19 years each. 

The victim's family were not satisfied with the verdicts. They believed that the investigation was done poorly. “We can’t say we’re satisfied with the verdict,” Nemtsov’s family lawyer Vadim Prokhorov said in an interview. “We would be happy if the murder hadn’t happened. But the main thing is neither the organisers nor those who ordered the killing have been found.”

According to Bellingcat analysis, Nemtsov was surveilled by the same FSB team that later followed individuals involved in suspected poisonings.

AFTERMATH

The West expressed condemnation and concern over Boris Nemtsov's death. Leaders and officials, including those from the United States and European countries, denounced the assassination, calling for a thorough investigation and justice. Many viewed Nemtsov as a symbol of opposition to the Russian government, and his death raised questions about political motives and the state of democracy in Russia. Sanctions against Russia were also discussed in response to the incident.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Boris Nemtsov's assassination prompted widespread condemnation from the West, highlighting concerns about political motives and the state of democracy in Russia. The tragic event sparked calls for a thorough investigation and justice, with leaders and officials expressing solidarity with Nemtsov's legacy as a symbol of opposition. The repercussions of his death underscored the complex geopolitical landscape and the ongoing challenges in fostering democratic principles within Russia.

References:

• The Guardian: Nemtsov family dismisses verdict as five found guilty of murder
• The New Yorker: The Unaccountable Death of Boris Nemtsov
• Brookings: Boris Nemtsov, Russian Opposition Leader, Murdered
• The Guardian: Boris Nemtsov Obituary 
• RFERL: Boris Nemtsov Was One Of Putin's Harshest Critics. So Why Is His Young Son In An Ad For Russia's Ruling Party?
• REFRL: Boris Nemtsov, A Russian Political 'Golden Boy' Who Battled Putin, Dead At 55
• DW: The man who dared to criticize Putin