Journalist and regional election candidate murdered in Peru

On September 20, 2026, 44-year-old journalist and regional election candidate Susi Aponte was murdered in the city of Caraz, Peru. Aponte, who operated a news website focusing on police corruption and institutional irregularities, was shot while walking through a market with her supporters. The attack resulted in her death and caused injuries to five other individuals. Police have announced the arrest of a Venezuelan national as a suspect in the killing.

Prior to the incident, Aponte had publicly reported on social media that she was receiving threats originating from within prison facilities. The Press Council of Peru has formally requested a thorough investigation, noting a disturbing pattern of unsolved attacks against media professionals. Official records indicate that four Peruvian journalists were murdered in the previous year alone, highlighting the ongoing risks to both political candidates and the press in the region. Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, which has drawn widespread concern over the safety of those involved in public life.