Russian dissident artist Semyon Skrepetsky shot dead in Poland

Semyon Skrepetsky, a Russian dissident artist known for performances and artwork attacking Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders, has been shot dead in eastern Poland, a killing that has alarmed opposition activists.

Skrepetsky, 44, whose real name was Robert Kuzovkov, was shot on a Monday morning in the town of Biała Podlaska. According to Polish officials he was hit three times by an unidentified gunman armed with a handgun, in what local media described as a possible execution-style attack.

The artist had left Russia in 2021, saying he feared political persecution, and continued his anti-Kremlin work after arriving in Poland. His targets included President Putin, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

Two Belarusian nationals were initially detained near the Belarusian consulate in the town where the killing took place. Prosecutors later said the pair had been released after being questioned as witnesses, as the available evidence did not establish their involvement.

The death has raised questions about whether Skrepetsky's political activity played a role in his killing, and added to wider concerns about the safety of Kremlin critics living in exile across Europe. An investigation is continuing.