Background and Relevance of the Journalist
Raúl Celis López, a 70-year-old Peruvian journalist and host of a radio program in the border region with Brazil, was tragically gunned down by assailants on Wednesday in Iquitos. His death marks the second killing of a journalist this year in a country grappling with crime and corruption.
The Attack on Raúl Celis López
According to the National Association of Journalists (ANP), López was attacked around 05:30 by two hooded men on a motorcycle as he traveled to work via mototaxi. The radio station, Radio Karibeña, where López worked, strongly condemned the violence and impunity that seem to dominate their streets.
López’s Journalistic Contributions
For over seven decades, López hosted a popular daily program on Radio Karibeña, where he fearlessly denounced the violence perpetrated by criminal groups that have taken control of Iquitos. His program often discussed “gota a gota” (drop by drop), an informal lending scheme orchestrated by criminal mafias using violence and extortion.
Reactions from Journalistic Community
Anita Tirado, the radio’s coordinator, informed the press that López’s program frequently addressed these illicit activities. The ANP demanded swift action from authorities regarding this recent incident, while the Press and Society Institute (an NGO of journalists) condemned the crime and called for an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding López’s murder.
Calls for Thorough Investigation
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent organization based in New York, urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into López’s death. The CPJ expressed deep concern over the killing and emphasized the need to determine if it was connected to his journalistic work.
Contextualizing the Violence in Peru
López’s assassination comes amidst a surge of extortion and violence in Peru, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency and deploy the military across various regions. As reported by ANP on May 3, there were 101 attacks against journalists and media outlets in Peru in 2025 alone.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Raúl Celis López? Raúl Celis López was a 70-year-old Peruvian journalist and host of a radio program in Iquitos, known for his fearless denunciation of criminal activities.
- What was the nature of his work? López hosted a popular daily program on Radio Karibeña, where he addressed issues like “gota a gota,” an informal lending scheme orchestrated by criminal mafias.
- Why is his death significant? López’s assassination marks the second killing of a journalist in Peru this year, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by media professionals in a country grappling with crime and corruption.
- What reactions have there been from the journalistic community? The National Association of Journalists (ANP), Press and Society Institute, and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have all condemned López’s murder and called for swift, thorough investigations.
- What is the broader context of violence in Peru? Peru has experienced a rise in extortion and violence, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency and military deployment in various regions. In 2025, there were 101 reported attacks against journalists and media outlets.
