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He Writes About Cartels, Roots for Football. Czech in Mexico: Police Robbed Me, But I'm Happy Here

He Writes About Cartels, Roots for Football. Czech in Mexico: Police Robbed Me, But I'm Happy Here

From iDNES · () Czech

Translated from Czech, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Czech journalist Václav Lang has lived in Mexico City for ten years, documenting activities like drug cartels while remaining fond of his home country.
  • Lang balances his investigative journalism in Mexico with his passion for football, specifically supporting Slavia Prague.
  • Despite occasional police encounters, Lang expresses contentment with his life in Mexico and his desire to return there after visits to the Czech Republic.

For ten years, Czech journalist Václav Lang has made Mexico City his home, a place he finds himself drawn back to despite spending brief periods in his native Czech Republic. Lang navigates the complex realities of his adopted country, delving into sensitive subjects such as the operations of drug cartels through his journalistic work.

His life in Mexico is a blend of intense professional focus and personal passion. While he meticulously documents the activities of criminal organizations, Lang also maintains a strong connection to his Czech roots, particularly through his enthusiasm for football. He is known to frequent the 'Tribuna Sever' (North Stand) at Slavia Prague matches when he is back in Prague.

Lang acknowledges the challenges of living abroad, including experiencing corruption firsthand, such as being robbed by the police. Nevertheless, he expresses a deep satisfaction with his life in Mexico. The allure of the country, combined with his journalistic pursuits and personal interests, consistently pulls him back, reinforcing his decision to reside there.

I fought my own Don Quixote battle against the expulsion. Against that term and against the expulsion itself.

— Vilém WodákVilém Wodák, a researcher from Jihlava, describes his stance on the post-war expulsion of Germans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by iDNES in Czech. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.