Murder of Russian artist in Poland. Premier Tusk: this is probably a political assassination
Russian artist Semjons Skrepeckis, known for political caricatures, was shot dead in Poland. Premier Donald Tusk stated that all circumstances point to a political motive.
Murder of Russian artist in Poland. Premier Tusk: this is probably a political assassination
On Monday morning in Poland, an unknown perpetrator shot Russian artist Semjon Skrepeckis three times. After the man fell to the ground, the attacker fired two more shots at him from close range. The incident occurred whilst the artist had previously refused protection offered to him by Polish authorities.
Premier Donald Tusk stated on Wednesday that the murder most likely had political motives. "All circumstances indicate that this is a political assassination," emphasised the head of government. He also added that if the assassination was commissioned by Russia, the matter would take on serious international dimensions.
Following the artist's death, two Belarusian citizens were initially detained, but they were later released. An investigation into the murder is ongoing.
Semjons Skrepeckis, whose real name is Roberts Kuzovkovs, was born in 1981. Until 2021 he lived in the Altai region, from where he emigrated to Poland for political reasons. The artist created caricatures depicting, among others, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Belarusian leader Aliaksander Lukashenko, Chechen ruler Ramzan Kadyrov and his son Adam, Moscow Patriarch Kirill, Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, and former Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
Skrepeckis also criticised Ukrainian authorities and was included in the Ukrainian online database "Mirotvorec", which collects information on people considered by its creators to be a threat to security, territorial integrity, or sovereignty of Ukraine.
One of the artist's latest actions was a picket organised on 12 June in Berlin, on the day of Russian state holiday. Skrepeckis presented there a caricature depicting Stalin and Putin in a form resembling an icon.
The murder case may further heighten tensions between Poland and Russia.
Source: TVNET