Credited from: LEMONDE
Robert Kuzovkov, a Russian artist and vocal critic of President Vladimir Putin, was shot dead in Biała Podlaska, Poland, on June 12, an incident now under investigation by Polish authorities. Local press reports confirm that Kuzovkov, known artistically as Semyon Skrepetsky, was executed in a public car park, where he was shot five times, including critical shots to the head and chest, according to Reuters and BBC.
Witness accounts and police reports indicate that the assailant opened fire before fleeing the scene, with the incident occurring near the Belarusian consulate. Two Belarusian nationals have been detained for questioning, although no charges have been filed against them as investigations continue, as stated by prosecutor Marcin Kozak according to Le Monde and Reuters.
Kuzovkov had moved to Poland in 2021 due to fears of political persecution. He was known for his controversial caricatures targeting prominent figures such as Putin and Stalin, employing provocative artistry to express dissent against the Russian regime. His recent participation in a protest against Russian policies in Berlin highlights his active role in opposition movements, as reported by both BBC and Le Monde.