Donetsk-based investigative journalist’s apartment set on fire

Reporters Without Borders calls for a swift and thorough probe into yesterday’s arson attack on the home of Oleksiy Matsuka, a well-known investigative journalist based in the eastern city of Donetsk. Matsuka edits the regional news website Novosti Donbassa. “The authorities must react with firmness and, as this journalist’s life is clearly in serious danger, they must guarantee his safety by providing him with bodyguards until those responsible for this attack are found,” Reporters Without Borders said. The arsonists barricaded the door to Matsuka’s apartment before starting the fire so that, if he had been inside, he would not have been able to get out. They also left no doubt about their intentions by leaving a wreath with the message: “To Oleksiy, from grieving friends.” Matsuka told Reporters Without Borders he received threats a year ago by phone and email. He has written several articles about the luxurious lifestyle of senior regional officials, a subject that is obviously embarrassing for the authorities and is rarely mentioned by the mainstream media.