Moscow's Zamoskvoretsky District Court began the trial in absentia of Zhanna Nemtsova, the daughter of murdered opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, on October 20. She is accused of leading the Boris Nemtsov Foundation for Freedom, which Russian authorities have designated an "undesirable organization."
According to Mediazona, whose correspondent attended the hearing, prosecutors cited Nemtsova's public activities, her involvement in the foundation's financing and operations, and her statements about events in Russia as evidence of her leadership role.
During the hearing, the prosecutor referred in particular to a video of Nemtsova speaking in the Montenegrin town of Budva, where she discussed her role in the organization.
Her lawyer said she did not plead guilty.
The court examined case materials during the first hearing. Closing arguments are expected at the next session. No verdict has been issued.
The Boris Nemtsov Foundation was established in 2015 after the politician's assassination. It works to preserve his legacy, support democratic initiatives, and defend civil liberties.
Russian authorities designated the foundation an "undesirable organization" in 2024. Nemtsova was arrested in absentia in 2026 in connection with a criminal case concerning the foundation's activities. The Justice Ministry subsequently added her to its register of "foreign agents."
Russian law provides criminal penalties for organizing the activities of groups designated "undesirable." Human rights organizations have criticized the use of these provisions as a means of restricting independent civic and political activity.
Boris Nemtsov was shot dead on February 27, 2015, on the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge near the Kremlin. Five people were convicted of his murder. His family continues to seek the identification of those who organized and ordered the killing.