Susy Aponte, a journalist and candidate for the regional government of the Ancash region in Peru, was assassinated on September 20, 2026, during an election event in the city of Caraz. According to local media reports, Aponte was shot in the head by a hired killer while campaigning in a market. Several people who were with her at the time of the attack were also injured.
The Peruvian National Police arrested a armed man suspected of being involved in the shooting. The incident occurred just days after Aponte had publicly denounced death threats against her. Aponte was a candidate for the regional government of Ancash, a region in northwestern Peru, and was known for her investigative reporting on corruption and organized crime.
The Peruvian Attorney General's Office has launched an investigation into Aponte's murder. The office, specializing in violence against women and family members, is being led by regional prosecutor Dina Rakel Ramos Chauregar. The investigation is focused on gathering evidence and identifying those responsible for the crime.
The Peruvian Press Council has joined calls for the perpetrators of the crime to be brought to justice. In a statement, the council emphasized the need for the authorities to investigate the murder and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Aponte's murder has sparked widespread condemnation and concern about the safety of journalists and politicians in Peru.
Aponte had recently published an investigation into alleged ties between police commanders and the Los Pulpos organized crime group. She had also accused the head of the police's criminal investigations division, General Víctor Revoredo Farfán, of ordering an attack on her. Aponte's social media accounts had reported receiving threats from three prisons in the country.
The murder of Susy Aponte has raised concerns about the level of violence and intimidation faced by journalists and politicians in Peru. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater protection and security measures for those involved in the electoral process. The investigation into Aponte's murder is ongoing, and the authorities have promised to work to bring those responsible to justice.
The Peruvian government and international organizations have condemned Aponte's murder and called for a thorough investigation. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the safety of journalists and politicians and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the electoral process.
Key points
- The murder of Susy Aponte has sparked widespread condemnation and concern about the safety of journalists and politicians in Peru.
- Aponte had recently published an investigation into alleged ties between police commanders and the Los Pulpos organized crime group.
- The Peruvian Press Council has joined calls for the perpetrators of the crime to be brought to justice.
