Fashion designer Normunds Vamzis killed at Priekule festival after clash with off-duty officer

A tragic incident occurred during the Priekule Ikara festival weekend, claiming the life of Normunds Vamzis.

Late Saturday night near the Priekule cultural center, a conflict broke out between individuals. A junior inspector of the State Police, who was off duty and intoxicated, punched a man. The victim was taken to an ambulance, where medics attempted resuscitation for half an hour but were unsuccessful.

The deceased is Normunds Vamzis – a teacher at the Liepaja Music, Art and Design Secondary School and head of the "Apparel Design" program. Earlier in July, he had received a commendation for his contribution to cultural education. Vamzis graduated from the Liepaja Art Secondary School, earned a master's degree from the Vilnius Academy of Arts, and worked in fashion houses in Latvia and Lithuania, also designing garments in Riga.

Police arrested their colleague – a junior inspector who has been in service since September 2022 with no prior disciplinary record. A criminal case has been opened under the Criminal Law provision for intentional grievous bodily harm resulting in death due to negligence. The investigation will be transferred to the Internal Security Bureau.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs expressed outrage on social media, calling the incident unacceptable. He discussed the situation with Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava, who vowed an objective and fair investigation with no leniency.