Peru: Journalist and Regional Candidate Shot Dead During Campaign

11:07

Susy Aponte, a journalist and candidate in the regional elections in Peru, was shot dead while campaigning in a market in Caraz, in the Áncash region. The attack also left five others injured. A Venezuelan national has been arrested by the police.

A Candidate Shot During Campaigning

Susy Aponte, 44 years old, was killed on Saturday while she was in a market in Caraz, in the Áncash region, with several supporters of her candidacy.

A professional journalist, she was engaged in the campaign for the regional elections scheduled for October 4. The exact circumstances of the attack are still to be determined by investigators.

Five other people were injured in the shooting. The Peruvian police announced the arrest of a Venezuelan national as part of the investigation.

A Journalist Known for Her Local Investigations

Susy Aponte also ran a news site called « China Polo Dominical ». Through this platform, she published information regarding irregularities and alleged corruption involving members of the police force.

A few days before her murder, the journalist had indicated on social media that she had received threats which she claimed came from individuals detained in correctional facilities.

The existence of these threats is now a factor being examined in the investigation, although no link to the attack can be established at this stage.

An Investigation to Determine the Circumstances

The arrest of a suspect is a first step for the authorities, who now need to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting, its possible motive, and the responsibilities involved.

The murder of Susy Aponte occurs in a particularly sensitive context, just weeks before a regional election. The victim had a dual career as a journalist and a local political activist, two aspects of her background that investigators will need to consider to establish the facts.

Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine whether the attack was linked to her professional activities, her electoral candidacy, or other circumstances.