UN chief condemns killing of Russian politician Boris Nemtsov

UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday condemned the killing of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov in Moscow.

A statement released by Ban's spokesperson said the UN chief was shocked by the brutal killing of the Russian politician.

"The Secretary-General notes that an investigation into this murder has been announced, and he expects the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly," said the statement.

Nemtsov was shot dead in downtown Moscow shortly before midnight Friday. Preliminary investigation shows that Nemtsov was hit by four shots and six shell casings have been found at the site.

The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which is pursuing several lines, including the possibility of an attempt to destabilize the political situation in Russia, the internal situation in Ukraine and possible connections with Nemtsov's business activities or personal animosity.