Russian dissident artist Semyon Skrepetsky murdered in Poland, raising tensions
Russian dissident artist Semyon Skrepetsky, known for his works criticising the Putin government, has been killed in a shooting in Wrocław, Poland. The Polish Interior Ministry has detained a suspect and said the investigation also covers a possible link to Russia. Germany and the Baltic states have issued messages of solidarity with Poland.
Russian dissident artist Semyon Skrepetsky, a critic of the Putin government, was shot dead as he left a gallery in Wrocław, Poland. Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said a suspect had been detained 100 metres from the scene and that the investigation "covers every angle, including any Russian link". Skrepetsky had moved to Poland from Russia in 2022.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk called the attack "unacceptable" and announced additional security measures to protect Russian dissidents living in Poland. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the leaders of the Baltic states issued messages of solidarity. Polish MEPs in the European Parliament called for a common EU framework for the protection of Russian dissidents.
Moscow foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia had "no involvement" in the incident. It took place at a moment of heightened security tension at Poland's border with Russia, and the zloty pushed past 4.35 to the euro.
Read next
Iran warns of 'reciprocal action' if US fails to honour MOU commitments
Iran's foreign ministry warned of "reciprocal action" if Washington fails to honour the commitments in the preliminary US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU), Al Jazeera reported. Tehran is seeking clarity from Washington on the timing and scale of sanctions relief. Sunday's technical session in Switzerland is critical.
Israel and Hezbollah continue strikes despite formal ceasefire agreement
Calls for higher New Zealand pension rates grow as cost of living squeezes retirees
Australia confirms first H5N1 bird flu case as virus reaches every continent
Russia frees 24 Filipinos after Marcos speaks with Putin in direct diplomatic call
