Browder of Hermitage Capital Management is the former employer of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, another late, prominent anticorruption critic of the government.
Aleksei Navalny, Russia’s paramount opposition leader whose latest stint under house arrest meant he was due to miss Sunday’s rally, found out about the murder hours after it happened.
He wrote about it on Facebook:
"I've only just found out from the guys who came to a meeting [at his home] about the murder of Boris Nemtsov. To be honest, I’m in such a shock that it’s difficult to find words.
"Boris came here as a guest a couple of days ago, as usual he was energetic, cheerful, full of plans. He charmed the police, chatted with them happily, explained why they should support the demands of the 'Spring' march, gave out brochures with his report. I can’t believe I’ll never see him again.
"It’s a monstrous tragedy and a loss for us all. Borya was a very good, decent man. You don’t often see a big, real politician who is a decent person. My most sincere condolences to his relatives, close ones, friends, and everyone -- we really have lost something irreplaceable.
"I don’t want to talk about versions because of the clear lack of information in my situation. I hope they let me go to the farewell ceremony to Boris."
Russian Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin speaking in a video statement today:
"Currently the investigation is looking into several lines of inquiry. First of all of course, there is the possibility that the murder could be a provocation to destabilize the political situation in Russia. And Nemtsov could become a sacrificial victim for those who do not stop before using any means to reach their political goals."
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly president has issued this statement on the killing:
OSCE PA President expresses outrage, calls for justice following murder of Boris Nemtsov
COPENHAGEN, 28 February 2015 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) today issued the following statement on the murder of Russian opposition leader and former First Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov on Friday night in Moscow:
“I am outraged and appalled at the news of Boris Nemtsov’s murder. On behalf of the parliamentarians of the OSCE, I call on Russian authorities to uncover the truth behind this killing and bring its planners and perpetrators to justice. I sincerely hope that a swift and comprehensive investigation will dispel fears that Mr. Nemtsov was targeted for his political views and outspokenness in criticizing the Russian government, including its recent actions in Ukraine, as well as corruption in the country.
“Boris Nemtsov will be remembered as a passionate man who fought for what he believed was best for Russia and its people, knowing full well the dangers that came with his work. I express my condolences to his family, friends and supporters.”
Nemtsov is being mourned in Kyiv, too. One of Russia's most urgent priorities, he suggested in an interview this past month with our Russian Service, was ending what he described as Russia's direct participation in the "war" in Ukraine. The antiwar message was one of the main rallying cries ahead of the planned march on Sunday.
From our newsroom, summing up some of the reaction in Russia and abroad:
Inside And Outside Russia, Condemnation Of Nemtsov Slaying
