Renowned actor, filmmaker and political activist, Juliano Mer-Khamis was shot dead in his car by masked militants on Monday in the West Bank city of Jenin.

The Jerusalem Post reported that a militant shot Mer-Khamis five times from close range at the entrance of the controversial Freedom Theater. His wife, who is pregnant with twins, survived the attack although she was lightly wounded.

Many speculated the reason behind his assassination with some connecting it to his Jewish roots and some others relating it to his promotion of liberal values at the theatre.

Start the slideshow to view photos of Mer-Khamis and his assassination: