Putin vows to prosecute those behind Nemtsov murder

The Russian president has vowed to bring to justice those behind the murder of opposition figure Boris Nemtsov.

“Everything will be done for the organizers and executors of this vile and cynical murder to receive the punishment they deserve," read the statement issued by Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Putin offered his condolences to the mother of the dead politician.

Putin also hailed Nemtsov as a frank politician who left an indelible impression on the Russian history, adding, “He occupied on important positions in the difficult transition period of our country. He stated his point of views in an honest and straightforward manner and always defended his stance.”

‘Provocative’ nature of the crime

The Russian president condemned the killing as part of the smear campaign against the Russian leadership, saying it "had all the hallmarks of a contract killing and is entirely provocative in nature."

Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, also stressed the provocative nature of the incident because "Boris Nemtsov was known as being in opposition to the Russian leadership."

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader, warned that the murder of the opposition politician seeks to “destabilize” the situation in Russia and intensify Moscow’s confrontation with the West.

US, France, UK condemn the murder

The leaders of the US, France and Britain have condemned Nemtsov’s murder, calling on Russian officials to launch an investigation into the incident.

“The United States condemns the brutal murder of Boris Nemtsov, and we call upon the Russian government to conduct a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his murder and ensure that those responsible for this vicious killing are brought to justice,” the White House said.

"I am shocked and sickened by the callous murder of Boris Nemtsov," stated British Prime Minster David Cameron, adding, "This despicable act must be fully, rapidly and transparently investigated, and those responsible brought to justice."

"Boris Nemtsov was a brave and tireless advocate of democracy and fighter against corruption. The Head of the Republic [Francois Hollande] expresses condolences to the friends and relatives of Boris Nemtsov," read the statement issued by the Elysee Palace.

Nemtsov’s murder

On Friday night, Nemtsov was shot dead as he was walking across a bridge in the Russian capital city of Moscow.

According to Nemtsov’s lawyer, Vadim Prohorov, over the last few months the politician had started to receive death threats on social media sites. 

The assassination came ahead of the annual spring opposition rally scheduled for March 1 in Moscow, which he was set to lead.

Nemtsov, 55, had co-chaired the pro-business Republican Party of Russia – People's Freedom Party (RPR-PARNAS) since 2012.

He served as the first deputy prime minister during the presidency of Boris Yeltsin in the 1990s.

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