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.
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.
