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French president condemns Russian politician Nemtsov’s murder

Boris Nemtsov was a brave and tireless advocate of democracy and fighter against corruption, Francois Hollande said

PARIS, February 28. /TASS/. French President Francois Hollande has condemned Russian politician Boris Nemtsov’s murder Saturday. "This is an odious murder," the Elysee Palace said in a communique.

"Boris Nemtsov was a brave and tireless advocate of democracy and fighter against corruption. The Head of the Republic [Hollande] expresses condolences to the friends and relatives of Boris Nemtsov," the communique said.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has also expressed condolences to the family of Boris Nemtsov and called for "a transparent and independent investigation," the press service of the prime minister said on Friday.

Harper said he was "shocked and saddened" to learn about Nemtsov’s murder. "Mr. Nemtsov will be remembered as a fearless advocate of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Russia," he said. "Those responsible for this brazen crime must be held to account in a swift, transparent and independent investigation," the prime minister added.

Russian opposition and state figure Boris Nemtsov, was shot dead in downtown Moscow overnight to Saturday with four shots from a handgun from a passing car, law enforcement agencies said.

According to preliminary data, an unknown assailant made a few shots at Nemtsov when the latter was walking along the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge.

Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case into the killing under articles 105 (murder) and 222 (illegal arms turnover) of the Russian Criminal Code.