Russian artist critical of Putin shot dead in Poland

Polish police are investigating the murder of a Russian artist known for his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Semyon Skrepetsky, whose real name was Robert Kuzovkov, was shot five times in the eastern Polish town of Biała Podlaska yesterday, according to Marcin Kozak, a spokesperson for the district prosecutor's office in Lublin.

Mr Kozak said during a press conference this morning that the victim "conducted artistic activity in which he expressed criticism of the current actions and moves by authorities of the Russian Federation".

According to Polish authorities, the murder took place yesterday at approximately 9.30am when the victim was shot on a footpath in a residential estate in Biała Podlaska.

Police forensics found that the 44-year-old victim had been shot in the head and chest.

Mr Kozak said that two Belarusian male nationals, aged 37 and 33, have been detained in connection with the case but have not been charged.

"The involvement of these two men and their connection with this event is the subject of determinations," he added.

Local Polish media have reported that Mr Skrepetski, a cartoonist, moved to Biała Podlaska from Russia in 2021.

Last Friday, Mr Skrepetsky staged a performative protest in Berlin outside the Russian embassy and at the Brandenburg Gate.

In a series of videos posted on the artist's social media feed over the weekend, Mr Skrepetsky was filmed with a Russian national flag in front of a painting showing former Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin holding a childlike image of Mr Putin. He then draped the flag from a bin.

Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita has reported that Poland's Internal Security Service is working with local police on the investigation.

An autopsy of the victim is due to be carried out tomorrow.