Russian Kremlin critic Semyon Skrepetsky killed in shooting in eastern Poland
Polish authorities say 44-year-old artist Semyon Skrepetsky, known for anti-Kremlin performances, was shot dead in Biała Podlaska; a suspect remains at large and two Belarusian nationals have been detained for questioning.
Polish police confirmed that Semyon Skrepetsky, a Russian-born artist who had lived in Poland since 2021, was shot dead on Monday morning in the eastern city of Biała Podlaska. Investigators said a man approached the 44-year-old on a pedestrian path shortly before 10 a.m., fired three shots, and after Skrepetsky fell, fired two additional rounds, leaving five gunshot wounds to the chest and head. The attacker fled the scene and has not been apprehended.
Law enforcement launched a search operation, establishing checkpoints, reviewing surveillance footage and gathering forensic evidence. On Tuesday, two Belarusian citizens were detained near the Belarusian consulate in Biała Podlaska; prosecutors noted they have not been charged and are being questioned about any possible link to the killing.
Skrepetsky, whose artistic name was Robert Kuzovkov, had left Russia citing fear of political persecution and continued to produce artwork and public performances that criticized Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenko and Ramzan Kadyrov. Days before his death he staged a protest in Berlin outside the Russian embassy, linking current Russian leadership to the Soviet era. Friends and supporters have said he had received threats related to his activism, though investigators have not confirmed a connection to the shooting.