“This is a cold-blooded murder of one of those free voices whom the authorities have so actively sought to silence.” - Denis Krivosheev

The killing of Boris Nemtsov, one of Russia's most prominent political activists, must be promptly, impartially and effectively investigated Amnesty International said.

Boris Nemtsov, a former Amnesty prisoner of conscience, was shot and killed late on Friday evening in central Moscow. His killer, who escaped from the scene, has not been identified.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that he would personally oversee the investigation.

Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’ Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia, said:

“Boris Nemtsov was one of Russia’s most prominent and courageous political activists and was a prisoner of conscience in the past when he was arrested in connection with  peaceful street protest. He was, with others, actively planning a large opposition demonstration in Moscow on Sunday.

“In the current crackdown on freedoms of expression, assembly and association, this is a cold-blooded murder of one of those free voices whom the authorities have so actively sought to silence.

“There is already a list of unsolved political murders and attacks in Russia, the investigations of which are under the ‘personal control’ of senior Russian politicians. We cannot allow Boris Nemtsov to become just another name on this list.

“Until the full truth about Boris Nemtsov’s killing is established, the numerous rumours that we are already seeing will persist, and they may be used by all sorts of unsavoury elements to provoke violence around the forthcoming protest events.”