The Peruvian government must conduct an exemplary investigation into Gastón Medina Sotomayor’s murder to prove its commitment to press freedom
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly condemns the murder of journalist and owner of Cadena Sur TV, Gastón Medina Sotomayor and extends its deepest condolences to his family and colleagues. We urge local and national authorities to conduct a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation into this emblematic case to combat impunity for crimes against journalists and demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom.
Gastón Medina Sotomayor was fatally shot on 20 January 2025, while leaving his home to host his second program of the day on Cadena Sur TV, the television station he owned. During his earlier broadcast, Gastón Medina Sotomayor had countered misleading information released by the Provincial Municipality of Ica regarding irregularities in the procurement of garbage trucks — and promised to reveal further details in his next program. As he left his home at approximately 11:45 a.m., a man on a motorcycle fired multiple shots at him. Despite efforts by a colleague to rush him to the hospital, Gastón Medina Sotomayor succumbed to his injuries.
The journalist had previously faced a series of well-documented threats for his critical reporting. The Instituto Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS) reported three incidents in 2022 alone: in February, Medina received a funeral floral arrangement; in July, the façade of his TV channel was vandalised with paint and excrement; and in September, a stick of dynamite was left outside his station. Local media and the National Association of Journalists (ANP) also report that Gastón Medina Sotomayor had previously received threats for his criticism of public institutions and his coverage of the extortion of transport drivers in the coastal region of Peru.
Local authorities were aware of these persistent attacks, underscoring their stunning failure to provide adequate protection to the journalist, despite clear signs that his life was at risk.
“The government of President Dina Boluarte must show decisive political will by ensuring that the investigation into Gastón Medina Sotomayor’s killing is exemplary in its rigor and transparency. Ensuring that justice is served for Gastón will not only honour his memory but send a clear message that impunity for crimes against journalists will not be tolerated. Such action is crucial to demonstrating the government’s commitment to preventing further violence and protecting press freedom.The justice system must fulfil its duties to ensure that the case does not go unpunished.”
Peru’s press freedom environment has worsened significantly in recent years. Ranked 125th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2024 Press Freedom Index, the nation has seen a steady erosion of journalistic freedoms since 2022. This troubling trend reflects growing threats against reporters, including violence, intimidation, and criminalisation, particularly in regions plagued by organised crime and corruption.
