RUSSIA | BBC: Nemtsov’s daughter says Putin to blame for death

The daughter of Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov says that President Vladimir Putin is “politically” responsible for her father’s death. In an interview in Italy with the BBC, Zhanna Nemtsova said that her father was “a critic of Putin, he fought with Putin, with nobody else,” and said she blamed the president for his death. “After his death the opposition is beheaded and everybody is frightened,” she said. The killing of the 55-year-old Nemtsov, who was shot dead near the Kremlin in late February, has infuriated the opposition, which sees Putin as responsible for his death. Five people have been detained and two of them charged for carrying out the killing, though Nemtsov’s colleagues worry that whoever ordered his murder may not be found. The interview was broadcast Wednesday night.

Venezuela | Congress OKs president’s decree powers

Venezuela’s Congress has approved President Nicolas Maduro’s request for expanded powers, which he says he needs to protect the socialist South American country from U.S. “imperialism.” Maduro’s request to enact laws for up to six months without consulting Congress was given initial approval by lawmakers Tuesday. It’s expected to gain final approval Sunday. Opponents say the law further erodes the rule of law in the deeply polarized nation. Maduro requested the powers after Washington imposed sanctions Monday on a handful of top Venezuelan officials accused of human rights violations. He says he would use them to ensure Venezuela is never caught off guard by threats posed by the U.S. government. He was first granted decree powers shortly after taking office in 2013. Those expired last year.