Nalchik, December 16, 2010
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"Two unidentified men challenged the chairman of the Muslim Board to come out of his home at about 7:30 p.m.," a spokesman for the Investigative Committee for Kabardino-Balkaria told Interfax.
They then fired at least four shots from 9mm pistols at him. Pshikhachev, aged 47, died from his wounds, the spokesman said.
A criminal case of premeditated murder and illegal use of arms and ammunition has been launched in relation to the case and an investigation launched.
Head of the coordinating center of Muslims of the North Caucasus Ismail Berdiyev told Interfax that Pshikhachev had receive threats.
"Just recently at a meeting with the presidential envoy [to the North Caucasian Federal District Alexander Khloponin] he said: "They come, look me in the face brazenly and say: "We have decided to kill you. What do you think of that?"
Berdiyev found it difficult to say who could stand behind the murder but noted that the mufti had actively resisted extremism.
"Whatever it may be, there is no religion here. It's pure gangsterism," Berdiyev added.
