Nemtsov death a blow for democracy: Bishop

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has expressed her sympathy for the family of Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, saying his death has all the hallmarks of a political assassination.

Mr Nemtsov was gunned down in a drive-by shooting near the Kremlin on Friday.

"This is a tragic, senseless killing. There are many who say it has all the hallmarks of a political assassination," Ms Bishop told Network Ten on Sunday.

"It's a tragedy for Russia. It's a tragedy for democracy."

She said there should be a detailed investigation into his death.