IAB condemns the murder of journalist Mitzar Castillejos in Perú
The International Association of Broadcasters (IAB) strongly condemns the murder of Peruvian journalist Mitzar Castillejos Tenazoa, which occurred as a result of the armed attack he suffered on December 13 in the city of Aguaytía, Ucayali region, and which led to his death after fourteen days of hospitalization in the city of Lima.
This heinous crime, perpetrated against a journalist who carried out professional work aimed at holding local authorities accountable and exposing alleged acts of corruption, adds to an alarming escalation of violence against journalists in various regions of Peru, particularly in areas affected by criminal activity and impunity.
IAB recalls that, as established in Principle 9 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression of the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, “The murder, kidnapping, intimidation of and threats to social communicators, as well as the material destruction of communications media, violate the fundamental rights of individuals and severely restrict freedom of expression. It is the duty of States to prevent and investigate such acts, punish those responsible, and ensure adequate compensation for the victims.”
IAB urges the Peruvian State to carry out a thorough, independent, and diligent investigation to identify and punish both the material and intellectual perpetrators of this murder, as well as to adopt effective protective measures for journalists who carry out their work in high-risk contexts.
Attacking a journalist is a direct attack on democracy and on the public’s right to be informed. IAB expresses its solidarity with the family of Mitzar Castillejos, his colleagues, and Peruvian journalism as a whole.
Montevideo, December 30, 2025.