Russian satirist Semyon Skrepetsky killed in Poland, two Belarusians detained
A Russian artist known for caricatures of Kremlin officials was shot dead in eastern Poland; prosecutors say two Belarusian nationals have been detained in connection with the murder.
Polish prosecutors said a 44-year-old Russian citizen identified as Semyon Skrepetsky was shot multiple times on Monday morning in Biała Podlaska, near the Belarusian consulate. The assailant fired three initial shots from a handgun and, after the victim fell, approached and fired two additional close-range shots.
"An investigation is being conducted...into the murder of a 44-year-old citizen of the Russian Federation...known in the media as Semyon Skrepetsky," prosecutor's office spokesman Marcin Kozak told journalists. He added that two Belarusian nationals have been arrested near the consulate and remain in police custody, though no charges have yet been filed.
Skrepetsky, whose legal name is Robert Kuzovkov, had relocated to Poland in 2021, citing concerns about political persecution in Russia. His work included caricatures of Russian political figures such as President Vladimir Putin, former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, opposition leader Alexei Navalny and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. One notable piece reimagined an Orthodox icon, showing Stalin cradling Putin in place of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus.
The case occurs amid ongoing reports of threats and attacks on Russian dissidents abroad. Polish authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that the detained individuals are at the disposal of the prosecutor's office and police.