This written declaration commits only those who have signed it.
The tragic assassination of Boris Nemtsov, honourable defender
of democracy in Russia, deeply shocked citizens of the democratic
world. He had devoted his life to fighting for democratic values
in Russia. In spite of constant threats, he defended human rights,
peace and democracy in the region. He strongly opposed Russia’s invasions
of Georgia and Ukraine. Being a senior member of the Russian Government
in the 1990s, Boris Nemtsov was one of those striving to bring Russia
to democracy. He never gave up on this project.
We call on Mr Putin to stop politically motivated killings
and bring to an end the military propaganda encouraging an environment
where hatred for the political opposition has flourished. We call
on the Russian Government to stop the war against Russian democrats
and, in particular, to abolish the law concerning the registration
of NGOs as foreign agents. We demand a transparent and unbiased
investigation into the assassination of Boris Nemtsov.
We also appeal to international organisations to begin investigating
the crimes of the Kadyrov regime inside Russia, listing them as
an international terrorist group.
The best tribute to Boris Nemtsov’s input to democracy in
Russia would be to transform the future elections in Russia, to
make them free, democratic and fair.