Journalist 'China Polo' killed in Caraz: Press Council demands clarification of motive
Susy Aponte Polo, broadcaster and regional candidate for Áncash, was shot on Saturday in Caraz. The Peruvian Press Council demands a thorough investigation.
Broadcaster 'China Polo' killed in Caraz during electoral campaign
Susy Aponte Polo, a 43-year-old journalist known as 'China Polo' and candidate for the Regional Government of Áncash for the movement Partners for Áncash, was killed on Saturday in Caraz whilst conducting campaign activities in the surroundings of the local market. According to infobae.com, the broadcaster was shot multiple times and was transferred to San Juan de Dios Hospital in Caraz, where she died from her injuries. A second man was wounded during the attack and remains under medical care.
Peruvian Press Council demands thorough investigation
Following news of the crime, the Peruvian Press Council (CPP) issued a statement through its official X account and demanded that authorities determine the circumstances of the murder. "The Peruvian Press Council requests a thorough investigation into the murder of broadcaster Susy Aponte Polo, known as 'China Polo', which occurred today," the organisation published.
The professional body also stressed one of the central questions in the case: "It is necessary that the motives of the homicide be clarified." In the same statement, the CPP warned that "other cases of murders have not been clarified," in reference to deceased journalists whose crimes remain unsolved.
Foreign citizen detained as suspected perpetrator
Following the attack, the National Police detained a foreign citizen preliminarily identified as the suspected perpetrator of the murder. During his apprehension, agents seized a pistol from him. The detainee was placed at the disposal of authorities whilst proceedings advance to establish his involvement in the crime.
The Specialised Prosecution for Violence Against Women and Members of the Family Group in Huaylas opened a preliminary investigation for the alleged crime of femicide. Provincial prosecutor Dina Raquel Ramos Jáuregui and four assistant prosecutors are participating in the proceedings alongside agents from the National Police of Peru. Among the initial actions carried out were the removal of the body and the collection of images from surveillance cameras installed in the area.
Prior threats and corruption allegations
Clarifying the motive gains special significance because, days before the attack, Aponte Polo had published information on her social media about alleged threats to her life. The broadcaster was also known for publicising allegations and questions related to suspected cases of corruption in the region.
Hours before being killed, the journalist had announced a new episode of her programme 'China Polo Dominical', in which she planned to address matters of regional interest. On 15 September she had also participated in the debate organised by the National Electoral Jury (JNE) for candidates for the Regional Government of Áncash.
Initial proceedings by Police and Public Ministry
The National Police and the Public Ministry are advancing with initial proceedings to establish the motive for the attack, determine whether other people were involved and clarify the corresponding responsibilities. Authorities will need to determine whether the crime was linked to Aponte Polo's journalistic activities, her political candidacy or other circumstances not yet confirmed.
Source: Google News PE — Crime