Among the worst developments of the 21^st century has been the growing assault on democracy and human rights perpetrated by Vladimir Putin’s regime. And the times seem to be growing darker in Russia.

via BBC News:

A leading Russian opposition politician, former Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov, has been shot dead in Moscow, Russian officials say.

An unidentified attacker in a car shot Mr Nemtsov four times in the back as he crossed a bridge in view of the Kremlin, police say.

He died hours after appealing for support for a march on Sunday in Moscow against the war in Ukraine….

In a recent interview, Mr Nemtsov had said he feared Mr Putin would have him killed because of his opposition to the war in Ukraine.

President Obama released a statement on the killing:

The United States condemns the brutal murder of Boris Nemtsov, and we call upon the Russian government to conduct a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his murder and ensure that those responsible for this vicious killing are brought to justice.  Nemtsov was a tireless advocate for his country, seeking for his fellow Russian citizens the rights to which all people are entitled.  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.

So too did Republican Congressman Chris Smith:

I condemn the brutal slaying of Boris Nemtsov in the strongest terms possible. The gangland-style murder of a leading Russian dissident on the streets of Moscow raises the question of whether bullets have replaced the ballot box in Russia, and whether any peaceful opposition voice is safe. We mourn Mr. Nemtsov’s death and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Given his support for regimes that engage in the mass murder of innocent people, illegal and immoral invasions of neighboring countries, and persistent persecution of the opposition, now would be a good time for all those who have praised Putin—from those on Fox News to Catholic Bishops to anti-war liberals—to apologize for their utter foolishness. Every American and every Christian should condemn Putin’s thuggish assault on democracy and human rights.