The fatal shooting in eastern Poland of a Russian artist known for his caricatures of Russian President Vladimir Putin was likely politically motivated, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Wednesday.
"All indications are that this is a political murder," said Tusk of the murder of Semyon Skrepetsky, whose real name is Robert Kuzovkov.
"If it was commissioned by Russia , then this is also a very serious matter with an international dimension," he added.
According to Polish officials, Skrepetsky was shot three times on Monday morning by an unidentified gunman armed with a handgun.
When the artist fell to the ground, he was approached by the assailant, who fired two more shots at close range.
The Polish government says they offered Skrepetsky protection, which he declined.
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Two Belarusian citizens were arrested in conjunction with the artist's death, but they have since been released according to Polish officials.
An investigation by Polish services is ongoing.
The case risks rekindling tensions between Poland and its neighbour Russia, which were exacerbated by drone crashes on Polish territory last autumn, which Warsaw blames on Moscow .
Skrepetsky was known for his sometimes provocative caricatures, which targeted prominent Russian political figures -- ranging from Putin and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin to opposition figure Alexei Navalny and Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov.
One of his best-known works reinterprets a classical Orthodox icon, depicting Stalin cradling Putin in place of the Mother of God holding the infant Jesus.
Skrepetsky moved to Poland in 2021, saying he feared political persecution in Russia.
In exile, he maintained a contrarian stance, attending Russian opposition events while openly criticising the opposition itself.
Several opponents of the Russian authorities have been victims of attacks abroad, including in the United Kingdom, Germany , and Lithuania .
Moscow has always denied any involvement in these attacks.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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2 reports
France 24 (English)State / PublicCenter3 days agoA suspect in the murder of Russian artist Semyon Skrepetsky, who was critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been detained in Poland. The suspect used a Georgian passport and was arrested in cooperation with Poland's Internal Security Agency. Prosecutors stated that Skrepetsky was shot five times, including once in the head. Two Belarusians were also detained in connection with the killing but have not yet been charged. Skrepetsky, known for his provocative caricatures targeting Russian political figures, had moved to Poland in 2021 due to fears of political persecution in Russia.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on the arrest of a suspect, details about the victim, and provides background on the victim’s work and migration to Poland. There is no evident framing that leans toward either political spectrum.
Official sources cited
- government Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
- government Local police in Lublin
- government Prosecutors
France 24 (English)State / PublicCenter4 days ago Fatal shooting of Russian anti-Putin artist likely politically motivated, Polish PM saysPolish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the fatal shooting of Russian anti-Putin artist Semyon Skrepetsky in eastern Poland was likely politically motivated. The artist, whose real name is Robert Kuzovkov, was shot multiple times by an unidentified gunman. Polish authorities had offered him protection, which he refused. Two Belarusian citizens were arrested in connection with the incident but have since been released. The case could strain relations between Poland and Russia, especially after previous incidents involving drones on Polish soil.
Bias read (Center): The article presents statements from Polish officials without overtly favoring any side. It includes direct quotes from PM Tusk and provides factual details about the incident, including the arrest and release of suspects and the potential geopolitical implications. There is no evident editorial slm
Official sources cited
- government Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk
France