Rising Criminal Violence and Targeted Journalist Deaths Spark Protests in Peru

• Peru faces a surge in violent crime and extortion-related deaths as public frustration grows over the government's perceived inaction.
• Between July 28 and September 11, there were 248 homicides involving firearms.

Targeting of Journalists

• On September 19, journalist and regional government candidate Susy Ysabel Aponte Polo was murdered in Caraz while campaigning; she had previously reported receiving threats due to her investigations into corruption.
• Kenny Yucra López, director of the media outlet lalupa.pe, also reported receiving death threats against himself and his family.
• Press freedom organizations, including the Institute of Press and Society (IPYS) and the National Association of Journalists (ANP), have condemned the attacks and demanded urgent investigations to identify those responsible.

Citizen Mobilization

• A coalition of unions, student groups, and activists, organized as the Citizen Platform in Defense of Life and Security, has called for a national march on September 22 in Plaza San Martín.
• Core demands from the protesters include:
  • Justice for Susy Aponte and other victims of violence.
  • An end to contract killings and unchecked crime.
  • Immediate repeal of laws perceived as facilitating criminal activity.