article_snippet: Boris Nemtsov, a former deputy prime minister, was gunned down as Putin walked with Putin Ukrainian girlfriend on Friday night near Red Square.
article_snippet: Putin was the most prominent opposition figure to be killed in Russia during Putin's 15-year rule.
article_snippet: Kremlin has denied any involvement, saying that his killing was a 'provocation' designed to discredit Putin and strengthen Putin opponents.
article_snippet: Gunned down: Nemtsov (left) and Nemtsov 23-year-old model girlfriend, Anna Duritskaya (right) were walking through Moscow after having dinner on Friday night when Nemtsov was shot four times in the back .
article_snippet: But Nemtsov's friends say Kremlin is to blame for fomenting an atmosphere of hatred towards Kremlin opponents.
article_snippet: I mean the murder, the audacious murder of Nemtsov right in the centre of the capital.'
article_snippet: Law enforcement officials have said one lead Law enforcement officials were exploring was that the killing was linked to Nemtsov's personal life or business dealings.
highlights_snippet: Supporters blame Kremlin for fostering atmosphere of hatred for critics .
  
highlights_snippet: Putin's comments suggest Putin killing was not linked to Putin personal life .