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Russian artist and critic of Putin shot dead in eastern Poland
TL;DR
Russian artist Robert Kuzovkov, known for criticizing Putin, was shot dead in Biała Podlaska, Poland. Two Belarusians are detained in connection with the case.
Key points
- Russian artist Robert Kuzovkov shot dead in Poland
- Attack occurred in Biała Podlaska
- Victim known for criticism of Putin
- Two Belarusians detained but not charged
- Shooting involved five shots, including one to the head
Mentioned in this story
Robert KuzovkovVladimir PutinBiała PodlaskaPolish prosecutor
A Russian artist critical of Vladimir Putin was shot and killed in the eastern Polish town of Biała Podlaska, a Polish prosecutor has said.
Five shots were fired at the victim, including one to the head, in the attack on Monday, said Marcin Kozak, a spokesperson for the district prosecutor in Lublin.
Two Belarusians have been detained but not charged in connection with the case, he added.
Local media identified the victim as Robert Kuzovkov, who was also known by his artistic pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, a Russian artist and performer known for his criticism of the Russian leader.
Kozak confirmed that the victim, who prosecutors identified as Robert K, had been engaged in artistic activity in which he expressed criticism of the current actions of Russian authorities.
Police officers in eastern Poland search the scene of the shooting. Photograph: Wojtek Jargiło/EPA
Three days before he was killed, Skrepetsky had travelled to Berlin on Russia Day, a 12 June holiday marking the country’s declaration of sovereignty before the collapse of the Soviet Union, where he staged a protest with an icon-like caricature of Joseph Stalin and Putin, according to the Meduza news outlet.
The identity of the victim would be a key element for the investigation, Kozak said.
Poland says its role as a hub for military and other supplies to Ukraine has made it a target for Russian spies trying to gather information on support for Kyiv’s effort to repel Russia’s invasion, as well as engage in acts of sabotage.
The Russian embassy in Warsaw was not available for comment. Jacek Dobrzyński, a spokesperson for Poland’s special services minister, said the Internal Security Agency had been cooperating closely with police and prosecutors on the matter.
Q&A
Who was Robert Kuzovkov and why was he significant?
Robert Kuzovkov, also known as Semyon Skrepetsky, was a Russian artist known for his outspoken criticism of Vladimir Putin and the Russian government.
What happened during the shooting of the Russian artist in Poland?
The artist was shot five times, including once to the head, in Biała Podlaska, Poland, leading to the detention of two Belarusians.
What are the legal implications for the detained Belarusians in the shooting case?
As of now, the two Belarusians detained in connection with the case have not been charged, and further legal developments are pending.
