Russian artist and activist Semyon Skrepetsky was shot dead in Poland. This was reported by Meduza.
According to reports, the incident occurred in the city of Biała Podlaska in eastern Poland. One of the artist's relatives confirmed his death to Astra. Polish police have not officially released the identity of the deceased, but have stated that the victim was a 44-year-old Russian citizen.
According to law enforcement agencies, Skrepetsky was shot in a parking lot on the grounds of one of the residential complexes in the city. An unknown person fired several shots at him from close range. Doctors who arrived at the scene were unable to save his life.
After the murder, police launched intensified search operations on the city streets and exit routes. Additionally, due to information that the deceased may have had children, schools and kindergartens were placed under guard.
According to preliminary information, the crime may have been committed by two individuals. One of the suspects was detained near the Belarusian consulate. According to unofficial reports, he is a Belarusian citizen.
Investigation materials state that the suspects were brought to the scene by a Belarusian taxi driver. The driver, who was threatened with a weapon, later attempted to flee to the territory of the Belarusian consulate.
Semyon Skrepetsky was the artist's creative pseudonym; his real name was Robert Kuzovkov. He was born in Russia's Altai Krai and was known for his political caricatures. Over the years, the artist created satirical depictions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and opposition politician Alexei Navalny.
At the same time, he also criticized the activities of the Ukrainian government and for this reason was included in Ukraine's "Myrotvorets" database. Skrepetsky had been living in Poland since 2021.
It is noted that one of his last public actions took place on June 12 of this year in Berlin, the capital of Germany. On Russia Day, he held a solo picket with a caricature in the style of an icon depicting Joseph Stalin and Vladimir Putin.
