On the eleventh anniversary of the assassination of Boris Nemtsov, the European External Action Service (EEAS) released a statement commemorating his legacy.
The EU recalled that Boris Nemtsov, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Governor of Nizhny Novgorod, was a prominent leader of the Russian liberal opposition who advocated for a modern, prosperous and democratic Russia.
The statement notes that since his assassination in 2015, the human rights situation in Russia has significantly deteriorated. Crackdowns on civil society, independent media, political opposition and dissenting voices continue, while Russia persistently fails to meet its international obligations to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners.
The European Union also recalled the adoption in 2024 of a Russia-specific human rights sanctions regime. Under this framework, 62 individuals and one entity responsible for serious human rights violations and for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia have been sanctioned.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of human rights, justice and accountability — in Russia and worldwide.