Peruvian Journalist Mitzar Castillejos Dies Two Weeks After Being Shot

December 29, 2025 – Peru – 

Veteran Peruvian journalist Mitzar Castillejos has died from injuries sustained in a shooting attack that occurred approximately two weeks earlier, authorities and press freedom advocates confirmed, prompting renewed calls for accountability and greater protection for journalists in Peru.

Castillejos, a well-known reporter in the southern Arequipa region, was shot multiple times on December 11, 2025, while leaving his workplace. Local police and media sources reported that the gunman opened fire at close range, leaving Castillejos critically wounded. He was rushed to a regional hospital where he underwent treatment, but succumbed to his injuries on December 25, 2025, according to family and law enforcement statements.

Castillejos had a long career covering crime, local governance, and community issues, and was respected by colleagues for his commitment to investigative reporting that often focused on corruption and public safety concerns. Local journalist associations described him as a dedicated professional whose work contributed to greater civic awareness and accountability. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, with authorities indicating that multiple lines of inquiry are being pursued, including possible links to his reporting activities or personal disputes.

Peruvian police have appealed to the public for information that could help identify the assailant, and prosecutors have said they are examining video surveillance and witness testimony. Officials emphasised that the investigation is ongoing, but have not yet announced any arrests or suspects. Family members called for expediency and thoroughness in the inquiry, noting that Castillejos’s death has devastated his community and raised broader concerns about the safety of journalists across the country.

Press freedom organisations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), expressed deep sorrow at his death and reiterated longstanding concerns about violence against media workers in Latin America. These groups have documented a troubling pattern of threats, attacks, and harassment against journalists in Peru, particularly those reporting on crime and corruption, and have urged authorities to protect journalists, pursue swift justice, and address impunity for crimes against the press.

Colleagues and press associations have called for national dialogue on journalist safety, legal reforms, and protective protocols for reporters working in high-risk environments. Many observers emphasised that Castillejos’s death reflects a broader challenge in safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring that violence does not silence critical reporting in Peru’s democratic process.

Reference – 

https://www.nacion.com/el-mundo/periodista-peruano-muere-tras-ataque-armado-del/K2TKIAGTEVHXBHLXBR6BSZS2XM/story/

Peruvian journalist Mitzar Castillejos dies two weeks after being shot