Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday the United States was "deeply troubled" by Russia's growing intolerance of free speech, on the sixth anniversary of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov's murder.

Nemtsov, a vocal opponent of President Vladimir Putin, was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015.&nbsp;

"We remain deeply troubled by the Russian government’s growing intolerance of all forms of independent expression," Blinken said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-marks-sixth-anniversary-of-kremlin-critic-nemtsovs-assassination-366667" hreflang="en">Russia marks sixth anniversary of Kremlin critic Nemtsov's assassination</a>

The sixth anniversary of his death comes after Putin's current most prominent critic Alexei Navalny was sent to a penal colony this week to serve a nearly three-year term he denounces as politically motivated.&nbsp;

Beginning Saturday morning, a steady stream of Russians and Western diplomats took turns laying flowers at a&nbsp;makeshift memorial at the spot where Nemtsov was felled with four bullets.

"We come together in this place on this day every year to show the authorities that we have not forgotten and will not forget," former prime minister and opposition politician Mikhail Kasyanov told journalists at the rally.

"I am sure that what Boris fought for -- freedom for Russians, their well-being and a dignified life -- will soon come about," he added.

Usually marked by a march through central Moscow, the opposition this year rallied instead at the makeshift memorial at the spot of his death that is regularly dismantled by the authorities, as restrictions on mass gatherings are still in place due to the pandemic.

The White Counter monitor, which tallies attendance at rallies, said 3,700 people had gathered by 15:00 (1200 GMT).

Also laying flowers Saturday were the US, UK and EU ambassadors to Russia, among other Western representatives.&nbsp;

'Inspiration to many'

US Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Ross wrote on Twitter that US Ambassador John Sullivan had marked the "brutal murder" of Nemtsov, whom she described as having been "dedicated to pursuing a better future for his country".

"He remains an inspiration to many who strive for justice, transparency, freedom," she tweeted.

In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of Nemtsov's murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing.

But the slain opposition politician's family and supporters insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice.

"He spoke the truth and for this in our country you get killed," Irina Drozdova, a 44-year-old lawyer, told AFP before laying flowers at the memorial.&nbsp;

More than five years after Nemtsov's death, Navalny in August suffered a near-fatal poisoning attack with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok that he blames on Putin. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the claim.

After spending months in Germany recovering from the poisoning, the 44-year-old opposition politician was arrested upon his return to Russia last month, sparking mass protests that resulted in some 11,500 demonstrators being detained.

The European Union has agreed to sanction four Russian officials over the crackdown on Navalny and his&nbsp;supporters.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday the United States was "deeply troubled" by Russia's growing intolerance of free speech, on the sixth anniversary of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov's murder.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Saturday the United States was "deeply troubled" by Russia's growing intolerance of free speech, on the sixth anniversary of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov's murder. Nemtsov, a vocal opponent of President Vladimir Putin, was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015. "We remain deeply troubled by the Russian government’s growing intolerance of all forms of independent expression," Blinken said in a statement. Also read: Russia marks sixth anniversary of Kremlin critic Nemtsov's assassination The sixth anniversary of his death comes after Putin's current most prominent critic Alexei Navalny was sent to a penal colony this week to serve a nearly three-year term he denounces as politically motivated. Beginning Saturday morning, a steady stream of Russians and Western diplomats took turns laying flowers at a makeshift memorial at the spot where Nemtsov was felled with four bullets. "We come together in this place on this day every year to show the authorities that we have not forgotten and will not forget," former prime minister and opposition politician Mikhail Kasyanov told journalists at the rally. "I am sure that what Boris fought for -- freedom for Russians, their well-being and a dignified life -- will soon come about," he added. Usually marked by a march through central Moscow, the opposition this year rallied instead at the makeshift memorial at the spot of his death that is regularly dismantled by the authorities, as restrictions on mass gatherings are still in place due to the pandemic. The White Counter monitor, which tallies attendance at rallies, said 3,700 people had gathered by 15:00 (1200 GMT). Also laying flowers Saturday were the US, UK and EU ambassadors to Russia, among other Western representatives. 'Inspiration to many' US Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Ross wrote on Twitter that US Ambassador John Sullivan had marked the "brutal murder" of Nemtsov, whom she described as having been "dedicated to pursuing a better future for his country". "He remains an inspiration to many who strive for justice, transparency, freedom," she tweeted. In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of Nemtsov's murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing. But the slain opposition politician's family and supporters insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice. "He spoke the truth and for this in our country you get killed," Irina Drozdova, a 44-year-old lawyer, told AFP before laying flowers at the memorial. More than five years after Nemtsov's death, Navalny in August suffered a near-fatal poisoning attack with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok that he blames on Putin. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the claim. After spending months in Germany recovering from the poisoning, the 44-year-old opposition politician was arrested upon his return to Russia last month, sparking mass protests that resulted in some 11,500 demonstrators being detained. The European Union has agreed to sanction four Russian officials over the crackdown on Navalny and his supporters.

US State Secretary Blinken says US 'deeply troubled' by Russia's intolerance of free speech

Russia on Saturday marked the sixth anniversary of assassination of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov -- one of President Vladimir Putin's loudest critics until he was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015.&nbsp;

Beginning Saturday morning, a steady stream of Russians and Western diplomats took turns laying flowers at a&nbsp;makeshift memorial at the spot where he was felled with four bullets.

Usually marked by a march through central Moscow, the opposition this year rallied instead at the makeshift memorial at the spot of his death that is regularly dismantled by the authorities, as restrictions on mass gatherings are still in place due to the pandemic. At least 1,250 people had gathered at the site by 1:30 pm.

"We come together in this place on this day every year to show the authorities that we have not forgotten and will not forget," former prime minister and opposition politician Mikhail Kasyanov said as he attended at the rally.&nbsp;

"I am sure that what Boris fought for -- freedom for Russians, their well-being and a dignified life -- will soon come about," he added.

In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of Nemtsov's murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing. But the slain opposition politician's family and supporters insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice.

The sixth anniversary of his death comes as Putin's current loudest critic Alexei Navalny was sent to a penal colony this week to serve a nearly three-year term he denounces as politically motivated.&nbsp;

His arrest last month after he returned to Russia from Germany, where he had spent months recovering from a poisoning attack he blames on Putin, sparked mass protests that resulted in some 11,500 demonstrators getting detained.

The European Union has agreed to sanction four Russian officials over the crackdown on Navalny and his supporters.&nbsp;

Also laying flowers Saturday were the US, UK and EU ambassadors to Russia, among other Western representatives.&nbsp;

US Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Ross wrote on Twitter that US Ambassador John Sullivan had marked the "brutal murder" of Nemtsov, whom she described as having been "dedicated to pursuing a better future for his country".

"He remains an inspiration to many who strive for justice, transparency, freedom," she tweeted.

(with inputs)

Russia on Saturday marked the sixth anniversary of assassination of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov -- one of President Vladimir Putin's loudest critics until he was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015.

Russia on Saturday marked the sixth anniversary of assassination of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov -- one of President Vladimir Putin's loudest critics until he was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin on February 27, 2015. Beginning Saturday morning, a steady stream of Russians and Western diplomats took turns laying flowers at a makeshift memorial at the spot where he was felled with four bullets. Usually marked by a march through central Moscow, the opposition this year rallied instead at the makeshift memorial at the spot of his death that is regularly dismantled by the authorities, as restrictions on mass gatherings are still in place due to the pandemic. At least 1,250 people had gathered at the site by 1:30 pm. "We come together in this place on this day every year to show the authorities that we have not forgotten and will not forget," former prime minister and opposition politician Mikhail Kasyanov said as he attended at the rally. "I am sure that what Boris fought for -- freedom for Russians, their well-being and a dignified life -- will soon come about," he added. In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of Nemtsov's murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing. But the slain opposition politician's family and supporters insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice. The sixth anniversary of his death comes as Putin's current loudest critic Alexei Navalny was sent to a penal colony this week to serve a nearly three-year term he denounces as politically motivated. His arrest last month after he returned to Russia from Germany, where he had spent months recovering from a poisoning attack he blames on Putin, sparked mass protests that resulted in some 11,500 demonstrators getting detained. The European Union has agreed to sanction four Russian officials over the crackdown on Navalny and his supporters. Also laying flowers Saturday were the US, UK and EU ambassadors to Russia, among other Western representatives. US Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Ross wrote on Twitter that US Ambassador John Sullivan had marked the "brutal murder" of Nemtsov, whom she described as having been "dedicated to pursuing a better future for his country". "He remains an inspiration to many who strive for justice, transparency, freedom," she tweeted. (with inputs)

Russia marks sixth anniversary of Kremlin critic Nemtsov's assassination

<div>
Thousands rallied in central Moscow on Saturday to call on President Vladimir Putin not to stay in power indefinitely, in the first major protest by the Russian opposition since the Kremlin chief announced controversial plans to change the constitution.

The rally marked five years since the assassination of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, but its organisers also want the event to send a message to Putin after he proposed major constitutional changes.

Organisers, including the country's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, called for a mass turnout to show Putin that he must not consider staying in power by any means when his current mandate ends in 2024.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-used-a-body-double-says-russian-president-vladimir-putin-283289">Never used a body double, says Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>

Moscow authorities gave permission to the rally -- after a succession of demonstrations urging fair elections last summer were roughly dispersed -- and the street was packed by a flow of protesters, an AFP correspondent said.

"The Putin regime is a threat to humankind," said the slogan on one placard next to a portrait of Nemtsov.&nbsp;

"Putin's policies are based on total lies," said another, quoting the liberal politician who was on assassinated in central Moscow on February 27, 2015.

"Russia without Putin!" the crowds chanted repeatedly as they began marching.

The White Counter monitor which counts attendance at protests said 22,300 people took part in the march. The interior ministry said 8,000 took part.

'Stay in power by any means'

Putin, who has dominated Russia for two decades, in January unleashed a political storm, proposing an overhaul of the constitution, the first changes to the basic law since 1993.

Analysts see the plan as beginning preparations for succession when Putin's fourth presidential term ends in 2024, while the opposition says the Kremlin strongman wants to remain leader for life.

"I think that this is a crime, that it is mocking the constitution," said Semyon Pevzner, a pensioner aged 75. "The only aim is to stay in power by any means possible."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-news-trump-campaign-sues-new-york-times-over-russia-opinion-piece-283020">Trump campaign sues New York Times over Russia opinion piece</a>

Putin first came to power as prime minister in 1999 under Boris Yeltsin before becoming president in 2000. He served the maximum two consecutive terms between 2000 and 2008 before a four-year stint as prime minister.&nbsp;

He returned to the Kremlin in 2012 for a newly-expanded six-year mandate and was re-elected in 2018. But opponents fear he could remain Russia's number one even if the job of president nominally goes to someone else in 2024.

Kseniya Telmanova, a 21-year-old student, reflected that Putin had been president for her whole life, except her first few months. "Probably those were the best months of my life," she said, laughing. "The leaders should fear the fact they can lose power."

Russia is planning to hold a referendum on the constitutional amendments on April 22.

According to the Levada Center, an independent pollster, a quarter of Russians will back the constitutional proposals, while 56 per cent said they were still not sure why the changes were needed.

Forty-four per cent also said Putin should quit power in 2024, while 45 per cent said he should stay.

'Against political repression'

Around 2,000 people gathered for a similar demonstration in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg on Saturday, clutching flowers, portraits of Nemtsov and banners reading "They feared you Boris".

"This is basically the only chance we have to go out and say that we are against what is going on in the country and against this police state," said Galina Zuiko, 55.

Nemtsov -- one of Putin's most vocal critics and a former deputy prime minister in the Yeltsin government -- was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin.

In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of his murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing.

But Nemtsov's family and allies insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice.

"We have not seen any major progress" in the probe, Navalny said in brief comments to pro-opposition channel TV Rain. "We will continue to turn out (every year) until this case is solved."

Protesters also urged authorities to release Russia's political prisoners, with a group of women holding a banner reading: "Mothers against political repression. Freedom to our children."

A number of people were jailed after tens of thousands rallied in Moscow last summer to demand fair elections, in the biggest upsurge of protests in the country for more than half a decade.
</div>

Thousands rallied in central Moscow on Saturday to call on President Vladimir Putin not to stay in power indefinitely, in the first major protest by the Russian opposition since the Kremlin chief announced controversial plans to change the constitution.

Thousands rallied in central Moscow on Saturday to call on President Vladimir Putin not to stay in power indefinitely, in the first major protest by the Russian opposition since the Kremlin chief announced controversial plans to change the constitution. The rally marked five years since the assassination of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, but its organisers also want the event to send a message to Putin after he proposed major constitutional changes. Organisers, including the country's most prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny, called for a mass turnout to show Putin that he must not consider staying in power by any means when his current mandate ends in 2024. Also read: Never used a body double, says Russian President Vladimir Putin Moscow authorities gave permission to the rally -- after a succession of demonstrations urging fair elections last summer were roughly dispersed -- and the street was packed by a flow of protesters, an AFP correspondent said. "The Putin regime is a threat to humankind," said the slogan on one placard next to a portrait of Nemtsov. "Putin's policies are based on total lies," said another, quoting the liberal politician who was on assassinated in central Moscow on February 27, 2015. "Russia without Putin!" the crowds chanted repeatedly as they began marching. The White Counter monitor which counts attendance at protests said 22,300 people took part in the march. The interior ministry said 8,000 took part. 'Stay in power by any means' Putin, who has dominated Russia for two decades, in January unleashed a political storm, proposing an overhaul of the constitution, the first changes to the basic law since 1993. Analysts see the plan as beginning preparations for succession when Putin's fourth presidential term ends in 2024, while the opposition says the Kremlin strongman wants to remain leader for life. "I think that this is a crime, that it is mocking the constitution," said Semyon Pevzner, a pensioner aged 75. "The only aim is to stay in power by any means possible." Also see: Trump campaign sues New York Times over Russia opinion piece Putin first came to power as prime minister in 1999 under Boris Yeltsin before becoming president in 2000. He served the maximum two consecutive terms between 2000 and 2008 before a four-year stint as prime minister. He returned to the Kremlin in 2012 for a newly-expanded six-year mandate and was re-elected in 2018. But opponents fear he could remain Russia's number one even if the job of president nominally goes to someone else in 2024. Kseniya Telmanova, a 21-year-old student, reflected that Putin had been president for her whole life, except her first few months. "Probably those were the best months of my life," she said, laughing. "The leaders should fear the fact they can lose power." Russia is planning to hold a referendum on the constitutional amendments on April 22. According to the Levada Center, an independent pollster, a quarter of Russians will back the constitutional proposals, while 56 per cent said they were still not sure why the changes were needed. Forty-four per cent also said Putin should quit power in 2024, while 45 per cent said he should stay. 'Against political repression' Around 2,000 people gathered for a similar demonstration in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg on Saturday, clutching flowers, portraits of Nemtsov and banners reading "They feared you Boris". "This is basically the only chance we have to go out and say that we are against what is going on in the country and against this police state," said Galina Zuiko, 55. Nemtsov -- one of Putin's most vocal critics and a former deputy prime minister in the Yeltsin government -- was shot and killed on a Moscow bridge near the Kremlin. In 2017, a court found a former security force officer from Chechnya guilty of his murder and sentenced him to 20 years in prison. Four other men were found guilty of involvement in the killing. But Nemtsov's family and allies insist the authorities have failed to bring the masterminds to justice. "We have not seen any major progress" in the probe, Navalny said in brief comments to pro-opposition channel TV Rain. "We will continue to turn out (every year) until this case is solved." Protesters also urged authorities to release Russia's political prisoners, with a group of women holding a banner reading: "Mothers against political repression. Freedom to our children." A number of people were jailed after tens of thousands rallied in Moscow last summer to demand fair elections, in the biggest upsurge of protests in the country for more than half a decade.

Opposition urges 'Russia without Putin' in rally for slain liberal

Thousands of Russians poured out on the streets and marched through central Moscow to pay their tribute&nbsp;to Putin-critic Boris Nemtsov, two years after he was fatally shot dead near the Kremlin.

On February 27, 2015, the former deputy prime minister was shot dead by four fatal gunshots while he was with his girlfriend.

Five Chehcen men are currently on trial for carrying out a contract hit, but the people who paid them have not been brought to justice.

Nemtsov&#39;s daughter has said the mastermind of the assassination remains unknown.

But Russians, clutching a bunch of red carnations, took to the streets to express their solidarity behind the family of the slain politician, the highest-profile murder since Russian President Vladimir Putin took charge in 2000.

&quot;We came to pay tribute to the honesty and bravery of Boris&nbsp;Nemtsov,&quot; pensioner Galina Zolina told AFP, clutching a bunch of red carnations.&nbsp;

&quot;We want to show the authorities that we haven&#39;t forgotten.&quot;

Some marchers even carried placards with &quot;Russia without Putin&quot; written on them.

Charismatic&nbsp;Nemtsov&nbsp;-- who went from Kremlin insider under Boris Yeltsin to one of Putin&#39;s fiercest foes -- was hit in the back by four fatal shots as he walked home across a bridge by the Kremlin with his girlfriend.&nbsp;

The march Sunday was permitted by the authorities but not allowed to include a makeshift memorial officials have repeatedly sought to dismantle at the spot&nbsp;Nemtsov&nbsp;was killed.&nbsp;

Some 15,000 demonstrators, organisers and AFP estimated, surrounded by a heavy police presence waved Russian flags and posters criticising the Kremlin and Moscow&#39;s intervention in Ukraine, which&nbsp;Nemtsov&nbsp;had fiercely opposed right up to his death.&nbsp;

&quot;The march can maybe get the attention of the authorities,&quot; said unemployed biologist Alexei Kuznetsov.&nbsp;

&quot;It might be able to influence the investigation, show that the case resonates in society even if the authorities try to ignore it.&quot;&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Charismatic Boris Nemtsov was gunned down two years back and some 15,000 protesters demanded further probe into his assassination

Thousands of Russians poured out on the streets and marched through central Moscow to pay their tribute to Putin-critic Boris Nemtsov, two years after he was fatally shot dead near the Kremlin. On February 27, 2015, the former deputy prime minister was shot dead by four fatal gunshots while he was with his girlfriend. Five Chehcen men are currently on trial for carrying out a contract hit, but the people who paid them have not been brought to justice. Nemtsov's daughter has said the mastermind of the assassination remains unknown. But Russians, clutching a bunch of red carnations, took to the streets to express their solidarity behind the family of the slain politician, the highest-profile murder since Russian President Vladimir Putin took charge in 2000. "We came to pay tribute to the honesty and bravery of Boris Nemtsov," pensioner Galina Zolina told AFP, clutching a bunch of red carnations. "We want to show the authorities that we haven't forgotten." Some marchers even carried placards with "Russia without Putin" written on them. Charismatic Nemtsov -- who went from Kremlin insider under Boris Yeltsin to one of Putin's fiercest foes -- was hit in the back by four fatal shots as he walked home across a bridge by the Kremlin with his girlfriend. The march Sunday was permitted by the authorities but not allowed to include a makeshift memorial officials have repeatedly sought to dismantle at the spot Nemtsov was killed. Some 15,000 demonstrators, organisers and AFP estimated, surrounded by a heavy police presence waved Russian flags and posters criticising the Kremlin and Moscow's intervention in Ukraine, which Nemtsov had fiercely opposed right up to his death. "The march can maybe get the attention of the authorities," said unemployed biologist Alexei Kuznetsov. "It might be able to influence the investigation, show that the case resonates in society even if the authorities try to ignore it." (WION with inputs from AFP)

Russians throng central Moscow to remember Putin-critic Nemtsov's murder

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US State Secretary Blinken says US 'deeply troubled' by Russia's intolerance of free speech

Russia marks sixth anniversary of Kremlin critic Nemtsov's assassination

Opposition urges 'Russia without Putin' in rally for slain liberal

Russians throng central Moscow to remember Putin-critic Nemtsov's murder