A Russian artist who openly criticized President Vladimir Putin has been shot dead in Poland under circumstances described as an execution-style killing. Semyon Skrepetsky, the pseudonym of Robert Kuzovkov, was killed on Monday in Biała Podlaska, a Polish city near the Belarusian border.
Details of the Attack
The 44-year-old artist had fled Russia in 2021, fearing arrest for his political activism and outspoken criticism of the government. According to Polish authorities, the attack occurred in a parking lot near his residence. Marcin Kozak, spokesperson for the district prosecutor's office in Lublin, stated that the artist was approached by an unidentified man who opened fire. The attacker initially fired two shots, and after Kuzovkov collapsed, moved closer to fire three additional rounds before fleeing. The artist sustained injuries to his head, chest, and back and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators recovered five shell casings and a Geco 9mm Luger bullet.
Political Activism
Skrepetsky's works frequently targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Just days before his death, he attended a Russia Day protest outside the Russian embassy in Berlin, where he displayed a painting depicting Putin alongside former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, with a Russian flag dragged across the ground.
Arrest of Suspects
Polish authorities launched an intensive search after the shooting, leading to the arrest of two Belarusian citizens aged 33 and 37. Officials have not disclosed whether the suspects have been formally charged or if they have any direct connection to the victim. An autopsy has been scheduled as investigations continue.
Related Incidents
In a separate tragedy, Legit.ng reported in May that a fast-rising Afro-pop singer, Sabi, was killed in Lagos. The artist, whose real name was Sabinus Chukwuebuka Nelson Obi, was reportedly killed in a late-night attack at a hotel. Additionally, actress Bukky Mountain died in Ibadan under unclear circumstances and was buried according to Islamic rites.
