PACE has called on the Russian authorities to “re-open and continue” their investigation into the murder of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, listing a number of “serious concerns” over its independence and effectiveness.
The Assembly, unanimously approving a report by Emanuelis Zingeris (Lithuania, EPP/CD), concluded that “not all relevant aspects of the case have been examined and the full truth has not been revealed”. It cited, in particular:
- a failure to identify and locate possible video evidence, including from Russia’s Federal Protection Service which is responsible for Kremlin security;
- a failure to question possible witnesses, including those seen on the bridge at the time of the shooting and the drivers of known vehicles;
- “irregularities, inconsistencies and implausibilities” in the forensic evidence relating to the bullets and shell casings that were recovered and the injuries suffered by Mr Nemtsov.
- “significant inconsistencies and contradictions” in the evidence given by crucial witnesses;
- a series of irregularities in the conduct of the trial, including the dismissal of jurors on spurious or weak grounds.
