Boris Nemtsov Dead: World Leaders React To The Murder Of Russian Politician

The fatal shooting of the former Russian Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov has not only shocked those throughout Moscow and Russia, but it also sent shockwaves throughout the international community. Leaders around the world have expressed sadness and outrage for the murder of Boris Nemtsov.

British Prime Minister David Cameron described the death of Boris Nemtsov as a “despicable act” and has hailed the former deputy prime minister as a “man of courage and conviction.”

Prime Minister Cameron stated, “I am shocked and sickened by the callous murder of Boris Nemtsov as he walked in the heart Moscow last night. This despicable act must be fully, rapidly and transparently investigated, and those responsible brought to justice.”

“Boris Nemtsov was a man of courage and conviction. His life was dedicated to speaking up tirelessly for the Russian people, to demanding their right to democracy and liberty under the rule of law, and to an end to corruption. He did so without fear, and never gave in to intimidation. He was greatly admired in Britain, not least by his friend Lady Thatcher, who visited him in Russia and who would have been appalled by today’s news. The courage of Nemtsov’s life contrasts with the utter cowardice of his murder.”

Prime Minister Cameron ended, “I extend my condolences to Boris Nemtsov’s family and friends. The Russian people have been deprived of a champion of their rights. Boris Nemtsov is dead. But the values he stood for will never die.”

French President Francois Hollande said that Nemtsov was a “courageous and tireless defender of democracy and a dogged fighter against corruption. German Chancellor Angel Merkel also issued a statement praising Nemtsov and conveying her dismay of such a brutal murder.

A statement released by the U.S. President Barack Obama condemns the brutal murder of Boris Nemtsov. In the statement, President Obama has challenge Russia to “conduct a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his murder.”

President Obama added that Boris Nemtsov was a “tireless advocate for his country.”

“I admired Nemtsov’s courageous dedication to the struggle against corruption in Russia and appreciated his willingness to share his candid views with me when we met in Moscow in 2009. We offer our sincere condolences to Boris Efimovich’s family, and to the Russian people, who have lost one of the most dedicated and eloquent defenders of their rights.”

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Nemtsov committed his life to a more democratic Russia “and to strong relationships between Russia and its neighbours and partners, including the United States.”

The Russian president’s spokesman announced that Vladimir Putin will take the investigation into his “personal control” and that “Putin noted that this cruel killing has all the signs of a hit, and is a pure provocation.”

[Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images]