Russian shot dead in Biała Podlaska – perpetrators still at large
A 44-year-old Russian artist and Kremlin critic was killed by gunshots in Biała Podlaska. Three detained Belarusians have been released; police are searching for the perpetrators.
Shooting near consulate – new facts in case of Russian's death
According to wiadomosci.gazeta.pl, on Monday 15 June, a 44-year-old Russian was shot dead in Biała Podlaska. The man was an artist performing under the pseudonym Simon Skrepecki and was known for criticising Russian authorities. The victim had gunshot wounds to the head and torso.
The shooting occurred near the consulate of the Republic of Belarus. In connection with the incident, authorities detained three Belarusian citizens aged approximately 33–37. All three people were subsequently released and no longer figure among suspects. Police questioned eyewitnesses, secured surveillance footage, and established a special investigative task force. The perpetrators remain unidentified.
Government spokesman Adam Szłapka revealed during a press conference on Tuesday that services had previously been in contact with the murder victim. "He had an offer to be a protected person, but simply felt he was not in danger. He did not want such protection," Szłapka said. He added that "this case is being treated with utmost seriousness because it also concerns Poland's security".
Wacław Radziwinowicz, journalist for Wyborcza.pl, described the artist's recent activities. On Russia Day, Skrepecki performed in front of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Berlin – he walked through the queue of guests in lapti (traditional Russian footwear), carrying an "icon" of Stalin hugging "baby" Putin, and wiped the street with a Russian flag. Merely an hour before his death, he posted online that after the Berlin action "Russian patriots" had bombarded him with threats. One of them said he "can be found in six seconds".
Bartosz Grodecki, head of the Presidential National Security Bureau, stated that "the murder in Biała Podlaska requires full and thorough investigation". "If the political background of this crime is confirmed, we will be dealing with another manifestation of Russia's escalating operations conducted outside its borders," Grodecki added.
Source: Google News PL