The Polish National Prosecutor’s Office has charged a Georgian national in connection with the murder of the Russian artist Semyon Skrepetsky (real name: Robert Kuzovkov). This has been reported by the Polish media, citing the prosecutor’s office.
According to the investigation, the suspect fired five shots at Kuzovkov with a firearm. Following his arrest, he did not admit guilt and refused to make a statement. The prosecutor’s office has applied for him to be remanded in custody for three months.
The suspect’s full name has not been disclosed. Polish media report that his name is Elnur A.
The artist was killed on 15 June in the town of Biała Podlaska in eastern Poland. According to the investigation, the attacker opened fire at close range. Skrepetsky died at the scene.
On 16 June, Polish media reported the arrest of three suspects in connection with the case. Later, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the alleged killer was using a Georgian passport. According to sources at Wiadomości, the document may have been forged.
Semen Skrepetsky was 44 years old. The artist left Russia in 2021 and applied for political asylum in Poland.
Skrepetsky was known for his satirical paintings and art performances criticising the Russian authorities, in particular Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, the war against Ukraine, as well as the Ukrainian leadership – including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – and the Russian opposition, notably the late Alexei Navalny.
Skrepetsky staged his most recent performance, which mocked official Russian patriotism, in Berlin on 12 June. Afterwards, the artist reported that he had received threats.