Journalist Raúl Celis López killed in Iquitos, Peru while traveling to his work area
Ramiro Raúl Celis López, a journalist with Karibeña Radio, was murdered in Iquitos by hitmen while on his way to work. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of journalists in Peru.
This morning around 5:20 a.m., armed killers assassinated radio journalist Ramiro Raúl Celis López from Karibeña Radio. The crime happened at the intersection of Brasil and Fanning streets in Iquitos, Peru. Celis López was intercepted by two men on a black motorcycle, who then shot him.
From videos that are circulating, the journalist was riding in a mototaxi and on his way to work to run the "Hora Cero" program when one of the three bullets he was shot with hit him in the head. He died instantly, according to witnesses.
Peruvian journalist died in Iquitos while traveling to his work area
The mototaxi driver, who was not injured, stated that he often picks up the journalist at that time, and on May 7, he was left late by five minutes.
“A motorcycle came up half a block away and cut us off. They braked. I swerved because I saw the passenger get off, I thought it was a robbery. When he got off, he fired,” the driver said in an interview with a local media source.
To start, he thought the journalist was hurt and tried to help him, but then he quickly realized he was dead.
The Press and Society Institute (IPYS), reported that the journalist was with his son, who is out of danger. The family is not ruling out that the attack stems from his journalism work.
There is a lot of outrage in the local community demanding the authorities to take action. The National Police of Peru (PNP) arrived at the crime scene. The representatives of the Public Ministry are awaiting their arrival to retrieve the body.
No suspects have been identified, and the motive for the attack remains unclear, but security cameras in the area could provide critical details for the investigation.
Celis López was a well-known journalist in Iquitos, Peru. Photo: La República.
Karibeña Radio calls for swift investigation
In a statement, Corporación Universal, the company responsible for the radio station, offered their condolences for the death of one of their program hosts. They called for a thorough investigation to capture the individuals responsible for the crime.
"We reject the violence and the impunity that seem to flood our streets. We demand a reinforcement of the institutions responsible for our safety, and full exercise of authority, to restore order and peace in Iquitos and the entire country," reads the statement.
The National Journalists Association of Peru (ANP) also demanded justice and urged the relevant bodies to investigate the perpetrators of the crime.
“This morning, Iquitos journalist Raúl Celis from La Karibeña Radio was murdered with three shots while heading to his station. The Peruvian Press Council regrets the second murder of the year against a journalist and calls for clear investigations into the incident,” the statement reads.
Statement made by Karibeña radio about the incident in Iquitos. Photo: Radio Karibeña.
The journalist death is the second reported in 2025
Celis' death is the second recorded this year. In January, Gastón Medina, director of Cadena Sur TV, was killed outside his house in the neighborhood of San Isidro (Ica) while he was leaving for his studio.
One of the motorcycle men opened fire on him, which led to his death. Although several months have passed, his family is still demanding prompt action in the investigation and capture of the authors.
Neighbors and friends recall him with much joy, in particular for raising his voice against irregularities. His morning program was popular and was most popular with the market crowds in the Amazonian town.
