Investigation into Nemtsov's death pursues several lines

The investigation into the death of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov is pursuing several lines, the Russian Investigative Committee said Saturday.

Among the lines, investigators are examining the possibility of an attempt to destabilize the political situation in Russia and the possible involvement of Islamic extremists, said the committee.

"For now, the investigation is analyzing several theories, including murder as an act of provocation to destabilize the political situation in the country, and Nemtsov's personality could have been a kind of sacrifice for those who stop at nothing to attain their political ends," Vladimir Markin, spokesman of the committee, was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

Markin added that the possibility of Islamic extremist involvement is also being analyzed.

"In fact, there is information that Nemtsov had received threats due to his position on the killing of Charlie Hebdo journalists in Paris in January," he said.

Moreover, the theory related to the internal situation in Ukraine is also under examination, the spokesman added.

Also, the committee does not rule out possible connections with Nemtsov's business activities or personal animosity.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses of the shooting are being questioned, according to the committee.

Nemtsov, a former Russian Deputy Prime Minister, was shot dead in downtown Moscow at about midnight.

According to preliminary investigation, Nemtsov was hit by four shots and six shell casings have been found at the site. Endi