Peru Press Freedom in Peril as Two Journalists Survive Separate Gun Attacks

December 22, 2025 – Peru – 

Two recent shooting incidents targeting journalists in Peru have prompted alarm from international press freedom organisations, which say the attacks and authorities’ limited responses highlight growing risks for media workers and a climate of impunity in the country.

In the first incident on December 10, 2025, veteran investigative reporter José Medina was wounded when unknown assailants opened fire on his vehicle in Bagua, Amazonas region, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Medina, known for his reporting on regional corruption, escaped with non-life-threatening injuries, but the attack underscored persistent threats against journalists who investigate powerful local interests. RSF said Medina’s vehicle was struck multiple times by gunfire and that the assailants fled the scene before authorities arrived. Police have opened a preliminary inquiry but have not publicly identified suspects or motives.

Just days later, on December 15, another journalist, Carlos Rodríguez, was targeted in a separate shooting in the San Martín region, where he was covering organised crime and illicit deforestation activities. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Rodríguez was not injured but his vehicle was struck by bullets. Local authorities reported that the journalist was not accompanying a security detail at the time, despite prior warnings about threats linked to his coverage of criminal networks.

RSF’s recent statement expressed deep concern over the apparent absence of decisive action by Peruvian authorities in the aftermath of these attacks. The organisation highlighted that both attacks occurred within a week, raising questions about systemic failures to protect journalists and to investigate violent actions against them. RSF noted that persistent impunity emboldens perpetrators and inhibits journalists from performing their roles in reporting on corruption, crime, and other matters of public interest.

CPJ also warned that these shootings are part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation against journalists in Peru. The group urged national authorities to prioritise thorough, transparent investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible. CPJ emphasised that failure to act swiftly “sends a chilling message” that violence against journalists can occur without consequence, undermining press freedom and the public’s right to information.

Both RSF and CPJ called on Peruvian government officials, law enforcement, and justice institutions to adopt stronger protective measures for media workers and to address the root causes of hostility toward independent reporting. They also urged international partners to monitor the situation and offer support to local press organisations confronting heightened threats. References

Reporters Without Borders, Peru: RSF alarmed by authorities’ inaction after two attempts to assassinate journalists in December 2025; Committee to Protect Journalists, Two Peruvian journalists targeted by gunfire within a week, 2025.

Reference – 

https://rsf.org/en/peru-rsf-alarmed-authorities-inaction-after-two-attempts-assassinate-journalists-december

2 Peruvian journalists targeted by gunfire within a week