(VOVworld) – Many world leaders have sent condolences and strongly condemned the assassination of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov.

People place flowers Saturday at the place where Boris Nemtsov was gunned down in Moscow.  (Photo: Associated Press)

US President Barack Obama called on Russia’s government to perform a “prompt, impartial and transparent” investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. European Union foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini said the EU expects the Russian authorities to conduct a full, rapid and transparent investigation into this assassination, bringing the culprits swiftly to justice. Presidents of France, Poland and Finland sent their condolence messages to the Russian government and Mr. Nemtsov’s family.

According to Russia’s Interior Ministry, Mr. Boris Nemtsov was assassinated on Friday as a result of four shots in the back in an area near the Saint Basin church. Russian authorities are investigating and searching for the perpetrators.