Belarusian detained over the murder of a Russian caricaturist in Poland

On June 15, in the Polish city of Biała Podlaska, located near the border with Belarus, a 44-year-old Russian citizen was shot dead. According to Polish media, the victim was an anti-Putin caricaturist, activist and blogger Semyon Skrapetsky.

The murder took place near the Belarusian consulate. The artist also lived in the same area. According to media reports, the attacker fired a series of shots at him from a firearm at close range. Doctors were unable to save the man.

Police blocked off streets following the incident. Patrols were set up on the roads. Videos appeared on social media showing police detaining a man near the entrance to the territory of the Belarusian consulate. Media reports indicate that this is a Belarusian citizen who was running toward the consulate.

The DzikMedia Telegram channel notes that the detained Belarusian was a taxi driver. He is believed to have been accidentally caught up in events: "According to preliminary information, it was he who brought from Warsaw the individuals who may be involved in the crime. There is no information, however, that he knew of their intentions or that they could have been killers."

Police, following the detention of the Belarusian, also stated that the search for the perpetrator continues.

Semyon Skrapetsky had reported, an hour before his murder, that he was being threatened by "Russian patriots". 

The artist is known for his caricatures and satirical drawings of Vladimir Putin, Ramzan Kadyrov, Alexander Lukashenko and other politicians. He supported Belarusian protests and donated to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.