Polish authorities are investigating the execution-style murder of a Russian artist known for his vocal criticism of President Vladimir Putin. Prosecutors identified the victim as Robert K, who used the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky. He was shot dead on Monday morning in the Polish city of Biała Podlaska, located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Belarusian border.
Details of the Attack
The 44-year-old artist was shot five times in the head, chest, and back in a car park about 600 meters from the Belarusian consulate. According to Marcin Kozak, spokesman for the District Prosecutor’s Office in Lublin, an unidentified gunman approached the victim and fired two shots. "When the victim fell to the ground, the perpetrator approached, fired three more shots and then quickly fled the scene. Robert K died at the scene," Kozak added.
Evidence and Detentions
Investigators recovered five shell casings and one Geco 9mm Luger bullet from the crime scene. An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday. Police detained two Belarusian citizens, aged 33 and 37, near the Belarusian consulate in the city. Their involvement in the incident is still under investigation, Kozak said.
Artist's Background
Semyon Skrepetsky was the pseudonym used by Robert Kuzovkov. He was known for his caricatures of political figures, including Putin, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Media reports indicate that Skrepetsky moved to Biała Podlaska in 2021. Kozak noted, "The victim engaged in public artistic activities and used, among other things, the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, under which he expressed criticism of the current policies of the Russian Federation authorities."
Recent Protests
Video posted on social media recently showed Skrepetsky at a Russia Day protest outside the Russian embassy in Berlin on June 12. He was carrying a painting caricaturing Putin and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, as well as a Russian flag tied to his trousers that dragged along the road.
