Russia: opposition in the streets of Moscow in memory of Boris Nemtsov

Text by: Daniel Vallot

In Russia, the opposition gathered this Saturday in Moscow in memory of Boris Nemtsov, murdered five years ago at the feet of the Kremlin. The demonstrators also protest against the constitutional reforms wanted by the president, Vladimir Poutine.

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From our correspondent in Moscow,

This demonstration commemorates the fifth anniversary of the death of Boris Nemtsov . Every year for the past five years, this anniversary has been an opportunity for the opposition to parade together on one of the main avenues in Moscow. The event is authorized, it must be specified. It is therefore without risk of mass arrests, as was the case last summer.

This event is important for more than one reason. First, because it is the first gathering of this magnitude since the dispute last summer. And also because it intervenes, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing to reform the country's constitution , a reform which is under discussion, but which should be completed by the end of April.

Constitutional reform worries

Many demonstrators expressed concern over this reform. " It is a way for Vladimir Putin to stay in power, " says a young Muscovite who claims to have spent 90% of his life under the authority of Vladimir Putin.

The opposition has struggled, since January, to take a clear position on this reform of the Constitution. It's not that she approves of it, but Vladimir Putin's announcements took everyone by surprise.

And when asked about their intentions for the vote to be held in April, the demonstrators are divided. Some want to participate to oppose the reform, others plan to boycott the vote and are already denouncing an illegal and dangerous process for the future of Russia.

► Read also: Russia: Putin's four post-2024 scenarios

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• Russia
• Vladimir Poutine
• Human rights

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