Arrest of suspect in murder of Russian artist in Poland
Polish police and the ABW have arrested a man suspected of murdering Russian artist Semyon Skrepiecki, a critic of Vladimir Putin.
Arrest of suspect in murder of Russian artist in Poland
Police in Lublin and the Internal Security Agency (ABW) have arrested a man suspected of murdering Russian artist Semyon Skrepiecki, who was a well-known opponent of Vladimir Putin – Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Thursday on the X platform, according to ERR.ee.
According to Polish authorities, an armed man shot Skrepiecki three times with a pistol on Monday morning. When the artist fell to the ground, the attacker approached closer and fired two more shots from close range.
The arrested man was in possession of a Georgian passport. Security services are currently working to establish the identity of the person who commissioned the crime.
Skrepiecki was recognised for his provocative caricatures mocking Russian leaders. One of his most famous works parodies an Orthodox icon, depicting Putin in the arms of Stalin, in reference to the Madonna and Child.
The artist moved to Poland in 2021, stating that he feared political persecution in Russia. In exile, he remained politically active, participating in events of the Russian opposition and also criticising the opposition itself.
Polish authorities claim that they had previously offered Skrepiecki protection, which the artist refused.
The case may further heighten tensions between Poland and neighbouring Russia. Relations between the two countries deteriorated in autumn last year following an incident involving drones that fell on Polish territory, for which Warsaw blames Moscow.
Source: ERR