Russia opposition politician Boris Nemtsov shot dead (opens in new tab)

On Feb 10, Nemtsov said during an interview: "I'm afraid Putin will kill me": http://sobesednik.ru/politika/20150210-boris-nemcov-boyus-to...

This is the same shit that's been happening in Russia for the past 100 years. If you oppose the ruling party, especially publicly, you're toast.

On the flipside, it must be noted that Boris Nemtsov was also a governor during the disastrous Yeltsin years. Appointed by Yeltsin. He's not popular in Russia. He was a has-been, trying to keep his profile up by being more and more anti-Putin.

And his death is already being used for political purposes.

One has to ask the question, is Putin the worst chess player of all time? Or is there more to this story?

Yushchenko - 'poisoned', leads to a revolution in which western interests take over.

Maidan protesters shot - leads to a revolution in which western interests take over.

Nemtsov shot - leads to an anti-Putin media barrage, and more interest in a march that is a regular, albeit not particularly significant event. Suddenly more significant today.

One interesting fact is he's walking with an Ukrainian model at that time. She's the sole witness now

Of course this is going to be all over western media as Putin cracking down on dissent

is this getting flagged? why isn't it higher?

Murder is always tragic, no matter who is behind it. I think this murder is extra tragic because the death of Nemtsov is being used for political causes. Disrespectful.

very sad. all of this proceeding the glimmering hope of democracy after the soviet dominoes fell.

Oh boy. This is so helpful for that region. Yep.

Cui prodest?