The leader of the prospective Polish delegation to the Tuesday funeral of slain Russian oppositionist Boris Nemtsov has been denied entry to Russia.

A man at the site of killing of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in central Moscow. Photo: PAP/EPA/SERGEI ILNITSK

''I had wanted to pay tribute to the murdered Borys Nemtsov, for all Russians who think like he did,'' commented Speaker of the Senate Bogdan Borusewicz on Monday evening.

However, Borusewicz confirmed that Russian authorities had denied him entry to the country to attend the Moscow funeral on Tuesday.

Prominent oppositionist Borys Nemtsov was shot down on Friday evening in central Moscow by unidentified gunmen.

Plans for a Polish delegation to attend the funeral were announced earlier on Monday, but it is unclear at present how many representatives, if any, will ultimately be able to attend.

President Bronisław Komorowski has criticised the decision, suggesting that ''Russian authorities simply do not want the democratic world to take part in the funeral ceremony.'' (nh)

Source: IAR