Western leaders are condemning the assassination of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov and pressing the Kremlin to ensure that the killing is investigated thoroughly. Here is a selection of comments.

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"Mr. Nemtsov will be remembered as a fearless advocate of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Russia. A leader unafraid to voice essential truths, even in the face of violent intimidation, he was also a prominent opponent of Russia's aggression in Ukraine and the illegal occupation of Crimea." __ Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

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"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. ... The courage of Nemtsov's life contrasts with the utter cowardice of his murder." __ British Prime Minister David Cameron.

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel "appreciates the courage of the former deputy prime minister, who repeatedly expressed publicly his criticism of government policy. She ... calls on President Vladimir Putin to ensure that the murder is cleared up and the perpetrators brought to justice." __ Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert.

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French President Francois Hollande "denounces the odious assassination of Boris Nemtsov tonight in Moscow. Boris Nemtsov was a courageous and tireless defender of democracy and a dogged fighter against corruption." __ Hollande's office.

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"Nemtsov was a tireless advocate for his country, seeking for his fellow Russian citizens the rights to which all people are entitled. ... 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." __ President Barack Obama.

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"Murder of Boris Nemtsov shows that Russia slides down to darkness of terror against its own people." — Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite on Twitter.

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"I condemn this act and hope that the political leadership and the judicial system in Russia will do their utmost to investigate the murder promptly and transparently." — Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb.

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"This murder put a sudden and cowardly end to the work of a fearless voice. That cannot leave anyone cold. Nemtsov's brutal death is a severe setback for all who courageously advocate an open Russia." — German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

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"Condemn the murder of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow. Those responsible must be brought to justice. March of protest in Moscow also becomes march of mourning. Opposition and journalists must be protected!" __Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom on Twitter.

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"Boris Nemtsov was a strong advocate for modern, prosperous and democratic Russian Federation, open to the world. ... The EU expects the Russian authorities to conduct a full, rapid and transparent investigation into this assassination, bringing the culprits swiftly to justice." — European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.