The Free Russia Forum, the largest platform of the Russian opposition outside of the Russian Federation, strongly supports efforts to rename a street in Earl Bales Park in Toronto in honor of Boris Nemtsov, a true hero of Russia who symbolizes the fight for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Four years have passed since the murder of Boris Nemtsov, one of the most prominent politicians of modern Russia. But we have not forgotten him.
His consistent and active efforts in the fight for a free and democratic Russia created a serious threat to Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime.
He was repeatedly arrested during peaceful gatherings; representatives of pro-Kremlin youth groups physically assaulted him; the state mass media called him a “traitor”. But he didn’t waver. There was only way to silence him: On February 27, 2015, Boris Nemtsov was murdered, five bullets fired into his back, as he walked across bridge near the Kremlin’s walls.
Every year, thousands of people participate in a march in his memory through the streets of Moscow. Every day, even four years later, Russians bring flowers and light candles at the place of his death, which has become an unofficial memorial.
Russian authorities continue to fight against Nemtsov after his death as vigorously as they did when he was alive. They block all public initiatives directed at preserving his memory. Since 2015, Moscow authorities have directed police to plunder extemporaneous memorials in over 90 cases. It seems that any recollection of Boris Nemtsov is forbidden in Russia.
As a result, those who wish to preserve Nemtsov’s legacy continue to appeal to authorities in democratic countries with requests they cannot make at home.
The international role in paying tribute to Boris Nemtsov is very important. Three cities – Washington, Vilnius and Kiev – have already named streets after him; Toronto has also taken this initiative. This sign of solidarity is important not only on its own; it also helps his followers in Russia, who continues to strive to perpetuating his memory at home.
The Free Russia Forum, the largest platform of the Russian opposition outside of the Russian Federation, strongly supports efforts to rename a street in Earl Bales Park in Toronto in honor of Boris Nemtsov, a true hero of Russia who symbolizes the fight for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
