A Russian cartoonist critical of President Vladimir Putin was shot and killed on Monday in eastern Poland, and two Belarusians have been detained, Polish prosecutors and police reported this Tuesday.
Robert Kouzovkov, 44, known by his stage name "Semion Skrepetski," was shot at close range on Monday in the city of Biała Podlaska; "an investigation is underway," said local prosecutor Marcin Kozak.
According to reports from Polish media, the attacker approached Skrepetski in the parking area of a residential building and opened fire at short range. A suspect has been reported detained near the Belarusian Embassy, while investigators are also examining the possible involvement of a taxi driver who allegedly transported the attackers.
Authorities have increased security around the schools and kindergartens attended by his children. Reports also indicate that Skrepetski's Telegram channel has disappeared.
Born in Russia's Altai region as Robert Kouzovkov, the artist became widely known for political caricatures depicting Putin, Lukashenko, and Navalny, among others. After moving to Poland in 2021, he remained active in anti-Kremlin protests throughout Europe.
News in development...
AI Brief
Your highlights
Robert Kouzovkov, 44, known by the stage name "Semion Skrepetski," was shot at close range. A Russian cartoonist critical of President Vladimir Putin was shot dead on Monday in eastern Poland and two Belarusians were detained, Polish prosecutors and police reported this Tuesday. Robert Kouzovkov, 44, known by the stage name "Semion Skrepetski," was shot at close range on Monday in the city of Biała Podlaska, so "an investigation is being carried out," said local prosecutor spokesperson Marcin Kozak. According to Polish media reports, the attacker approached Skrepetski in the parking area of a residential building and opened fire at close range. It has been reported that a suspect was detained near the Belarusian Embassy, while investigators are also examining the possible involvement of a taxi driver who allegedly transported the attackers. Semion Skrepetski's painting presents a visual allegory that connects totalitarian historical figures with the image of a human shredder, symbolizing brutality and the cycle of oppression. Authorities have increased security around the schools and kindergartens attended by his children. Reports also indicate that Skrepetski's Telegram channel has disappeared. Born in the Altai region of Russia as Robert Kouzovkov, the artist became widely known for political caricatures portraying Putin, Lukashenko, and Navalny, among others. After moving to Poland in 2021, he remained active in anti-Kremlin protests throughout Europe. This work by Semion Skrepetski merges the features of Vladimir Putin and Joseph Stalin, with a halo and barbed wire.
News in development...