Peru: Three Detained for Murder of Candidate Susy Aponte

Peruvian journalist and regional candidate Susy Aponte, known as 'China Polo', was shot dead on Saturday in a market in Caraz, Huaylas province, Ancash region. The attack occurred during the campaign for the 2026 Regional and Municipal Elections.

The Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation under the hypothesis of a hitman-style killing. Prosecutors Raúl Godos Sedán and Sheyla Romero Zárate are leading urgent proceedings, including ballistics tests, autopsy, and retrieval of hotel surveillance footage.

“The silence is an offense to the country and generates more distrust and fear in the population.”

Police detained three people for their alleged involvement in the murder. Two suspects were apprehended in flagrante delicto, while a third was arrested later.

Aponte had previously reported receiving death threats and had accused police chiefs of links to a criminal organization during her campaign.

The Good Government Party, led by Jorge Nieto Montesinos, criticized President Keiko Fujimori's administration for its silence on the case. The party demanded public explanations from the Interior Minister and questioned whether the order came from a high-ranking police commander.