Semyon Skrepetsky, who had been living in exile, was shot dead in broad daylight in Biała Podlaska, eastern Poland. Authorities are investigating a targeted attack.

Known for his sharp satirical art criticizing autocracy, Skrepetsky had fled Russia after facing increasing threats over his work.

His killing is a stark reminder that political art and cartooning is an act of courage. And that it can be a deadly job. Because one thing autocrats fear most is ridicule.

The Freedom Cartoonists Foundation I chair in Geneva supports courageous cartoonists from all over the World.