A Moscow court has ordered the pre-trial arrest in absentia of Zhanna Nemtsova, the daughter of slain Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov, over charges linked to an organisation labelled “undesirable” by Russian authorities.
The charges accuse Nemtsova of organising the activities of an “undesirable” organisation. Under Russian law, the offence carries a maximum prison sentence of six years.
Authorities have not disclosed when law enforcement issued the arrest warrant. Nemtsova has lived in Europe for several years and has not publicly indicated plans to return to Russia.
Court targets foundation founder
Zhanna Nemtsova founded the Boris Nemtsov Foundation for Freedom, a Germany-based organisation. Russian authorities designated the foundation as an “undesirable” organisation in 2024.
Meanwhile, Moscow’s Zamoskvoretsky District Court ruled that Nemtsova would remain in pre-trial detention for two months if she returns to Russia or is extradited.
Following the ruling, Nemtsova reacted on social media by writing, “I’m famous now.”
Case revives focus on Boris Nemtsov’s legacy
Boris Nemtsov was once considered a potential successor to former Russian President Boris Yeltsin. However, he later emerged as one of President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent political opponents.
Nemtsov was shot dead near the Kremlin in February 2015, a killing that drew widespread international attention.
Although five men were convicted for carrying out the murder, Nemtsov’s family and supporters continue to argue that those who organised the assassination have never been identified or brought to justice.
