Russian authorities arrest two men in connection with Boris Nemtsov murder

Russian authorities announced on Saturday that they had arrested two men in connection with the murder of political opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, The Guardian reports.

Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia's federal security service, named the pair as Anzor Gubashev and Zaur Dadayev, both from the southern region of Caucasus. It was unclear whether authorities believe either detained man is suspected of actually killing Nemtsov, or just of being involved in the murder.

Nemtsov, 55,was shot four times in the back while walking near the Kremlin on Feb. 27. Other opposition members have suggested that the killing could not have occurred without government help, and may have been meant to send a message.

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"Russia has crossed the line after this murder," Nemtsov's daughter Zhanna told CNN. "People will be frightened to express ideas contrary to the official standpoint."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the murder of his longtime opponent as a "provocation" and a "vile and cynical murder."