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.
Timeline and updates
June 17
2026
2026
Two Belarusian nationals detained in Poland as part of the investigation into Monday’s assassination of Russian artist and Kremlin critic Semyon Skrepetsky have been released.
15/6/2026
Skrepetski was shot dead in the street on Monday 15 June in Biała Podlaska in eastern Poland, near the border with Belarus.
2020
Russian artist and cartoonist Semyon Skrepetsky, also known as Simon Skrepetski, exiled himself to Poland following life threats and the impossibility to pursue his activities in Russia.
Cartoons
