Nemtsov's death heralds darker era in Russia

Significance

Nemtsov was killed on February 27 by several shots fired from a passing car, on Moscow's Bolshoi Mosvoretsky Bridge near the Kremlin. He had been due to take part in the opposition 'Spring anti-crisis march' in Moscow's suburbs on March 1. This was cancelled following the killing and the Moscow authorities allowed a march through the centre in Nemtsov's memory. Russia's opposition is weak and has had little success against President Vladimir Putin, since the winter of 2011-12 when large crowds gave Putin his first genuine challenge.

Impacts

• Nemtsov's death will have little impact in the regions where Putin gains most of his support.
• The murder was probably committed by nationalists increasingly angry with Nemtsov's anti-authority line.
• The state media will go into overdrive to protect Putin and prevent widespread backlash.
• The killing says more about the strength of nationalist feeling than it does about the opposition.