Murder of Russian artist in Poland: Tusk speaks of state terrorism
Prime Minister Donald Tusk characterised the murder of 44-year-old Russian satirist Semion Skrypiecki in Biała Podlaska as "state terrorism".
Murder of Russian artist in Poland: Tusk speaks of state terrorism
On Tuesday morning, a 44-year-old Russian citizen was murdered in his flat in Biała Podlaska. The victim, known publicly under the pseudonym Semion Skrypiecki, was an artist and satirical creator who had settled in Poland in 2021, claiming that he faced political persecution in Russia.
Skrypiecki gained recognition through works that sharply criticised Vladimir Putin, as well as other leaders such as Aleksander Lukashenko and Ramzan Kadyrov. A few hours before his death, he posted screenshots on social media of messages containing threats, in response to his post about Kadyrov. Two days earlier, he had posted an image depicting Ramzan and Adam Kadyrov as pigs.
According to the findings of investigative bodies, the attack took place between 9:30 and 9:45. An unknown assailant approached the man and first fired three shots from a pistol. When the victim fell to the ground, the attacker moved closer and fired two more shots from a short distance. An examination revealed a total of seven bullet wounds in the area of the head, chest and back. Police are conducting an intensive investigation to establish the identity of and apprehend the perpetrator.
On Wednesday, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on the case. At a press conference, he assessed that there are many indications that political motives lie behind the murder, although – as he emphasised – final conclusions can only be drawn after gathering incontrovertible evidence. He added that if it turns out that the crime was ordered by Russia, it will be an event with very serious international consequences. "This is state terrorism," he emphasised.
Tusk assured that the services would do everything to clarify the circumstances of the crime. However, he noted that establishing the identity of the perpetrator may prove extremely difficult if the murder was committed by a hired killer. He also mentioned that two Belarusian citizens, who had previously been detained, were released because investigators found no evidence confirming their direct involvement in the murder.
The Polish Prime Minister also reminded that the murdered Russian was a well-known critic of the Kremlin. As he revealed, both the police and the Internal Security Agency had offered him protection, but for unknown reasons he did not accept it.
Source: Euronews
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)