Gundars Matiss
Photo by Ivars Kesenfelds
We all know how dangerous it can be to be a journalist. Especially, when you are working in such spheres as criminal groups. You are always working in some sorth of panic. No one is safe and you have to be very careful when you say something in public. That is why I think Gundars Matiss is dead right now.
Matiss, a crime reporter with the Liepaja-based daily Kurzeme Vards, was attacked on November 15 in the stairwell of his apartment building after he returned home from a shopping expedition. In a phone conversation from the hospital two hours after the attack, Matiss told the paper's editor-in-chief, Andzilss Remess, that someone followed him home and hit him from behind with a truncheon or club. He was struck several times on the head, arms, and legs. The assailant fled when neighbors interrupted the attack.
Matiss underwent three operations and fell into a coma. He died on November 28 from a brain hemorrhage. The reporter had most recently investigated the contraband alcohol trade in Liepaja, according to Remess.
Though the police cited robbery, personal revenge, and retaliation for his journalism as possible motives, Matiss had not been robbed, and does not seem to have been involved in any serious personal dispute. His editor told CPJ: "Matiss knew a lot about the criminal world. He was one of those reporters who went deep." At press time, the police investigation was still ongoing.
In my opinion, everything that you do in your wonderful life – it has to be certain that your life will not be at risk. We must respect this gift to live and live a life that is full of other adventures that do not involve dangerous activities. I agree that journalism can turn in to a battlefield but it is your choice how you handle the pressure. If you can not hold your tongue, you can not choose the path that Gundars chose.
Matiss, a crime reporter with the Liepaja-based daily Kurzeme Vards, was attacked on November 15 in the stairwell of his apartment building after he returned home from a shopping expedition. In a phone conversation from the hospital two hours after the attack, Matiss told the paper's editor-in-chief, Andzilss Remess, that someone followed him home and hit him from behind with a truncheon or club. He was struck several times on the head, arms, and legs. The assailant fled when neighbors interrupted the attack.
Matiss underwent three operations and fell into a coma. He died on November 28 from a brain hemorrhage. The reporter had most recently investigated the contraband alcohol trade in Liepaja, according to Remess.
Though the police cited robbery, personal revenge, and retaliation for his journalism as possible motives, Matiss had not been robbed, and does not seem to have been involved in any serious personal dispute. His editor told CPJ: "Matiss knew a lot about the criminal world. He was one of those reporters who went deep." At press time, the police investigation was still ongoing.
In my opinion, everything that you do in your wonderful life – it has to be certain that your life will not be at risk. We must respect this gift to live and live a life that is full of other adventures that do not involve dangerous activities. I agree that journalism can turn in to a battlefield but it is your choice how you handle the pressure. If you can not hold your tongue, you can not choose the path that Gundars chose.