Polish authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of an artist known for his satirical works criticizing the Russian government. The detained individual holds a Georgian passport, as confirmed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Tusk emphasized that security services are actively working to identify the mastermind behind the murder. He stated, “Security services are working on establishing the identity of the client.” Reports indicate that the artist, who faced threats from Russian authorities, had declined offers of protection from Polish officials.
On June 15, news emerged about the artist’s death in Biała Podlaska, where he was shot multiple times by an unidentified assailant. Following the incident, police detained two Belarusian individuals near the Belarusian consulate; however, they were later released due to insufficient evidence linking them directly to the crime.
The artist was a vocal critic of both the illegitimate regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, having fled his home country due to political persecution. Tusk revealed during a press conference on June 17 that Poland was aware of the threats against the artist, highlighting the challenges faced by political dissidents.
Background
- The artist’s murder was reported on June 15 after he was shot several times in Biała Podlaska.
- Initially, two Belarusians were detained near the Belarusian consulate but were released due to a lack of evidence against them.
