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December 09, 2025 – Peru –
A veteran Peruvian journalist was murdered by unidentified gunmen in what authorities and press-freedom groups are calling a targeted killing linked to his reporting on corruption. The slaying of Juan Fernando Núñez Guevara has sparked national shock, intensified fears for media safety in Peru, and drawn warnings from international organizations that attacks on journalists may be escalating.
Núñez — a seasoned reporter known for his in-depth investigations into local government corruption, illegal mining, and alleged criminal networks — was shot dead by hitmen riding a motorcycle as he left a radio station in Huamanga, Ayacucho. The attack occurred on the morning of December 8, 2025, and he died at the scene before emergency responders could reach him.
Police have opened a homicide investigation, with senior officials confirming that a ballistic analysis and witness interviews are underway. While no suspects have yet been detained, investigators are exploring whether the killing was orchestrated in retaliation for Núñez’s reporting.
Press-freedom advocates have condemned the assassination as a direct assault on free expression. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) issued a statement expressing deep alarm, calling Núñez’s murder part of a “dangerous escalation” in violence against journalists in Peru — particularly those covering corruption, organized crime, and abuses of power. RSF urged authorities to pursue all leads vigorously and to treat the case as a priority to prevent further attacks on the press.
Family members, colleagues, and civil society figures have rallied in calls for justice, demanding that investigators uncover who ordered the hit and bring them to account. Local journalism groups noted that Núñez had received unspecified threats in recent months, though he continued his work undeterred.
The murder has revived long-standing concerns about the safety of reporters in Peru, where journalists covering corruption, drug trafficking, and regional governance often operate under threat. Human rights defenders warn that without decisive action, a climate of impunity could embolden further violence, eroding both press freedom and public trust.
As investigations continue, Peru faces growing calls to protect journalists and ensure that those who attack them — or those who hire hitmen — are held accountable.
Reference –
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hitmen-kill-reporter-covered-corruption-peru-journalist-group/
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/301812/hitmen-murder-peruvian-journalist-who-dug-into-corruption#
