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John Edison Chalá charged in murder of journalist Mateo Pérez
The Fiscalía General de la Nación has formally charged John Edison Chalá Torrejano, known as alias Víctor Chalá, a leader of the FARC dissidents' Front 36, for the kidnapping and murder of journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda. The incident occurred on May 5, 2026, in the rural area of Briceño, Antioquia.
According to investigators, Pérez Rueda was intercepted by armed men while traveling by motorcycle to the Palmichal district. He was taken to a local school where Chalá interrogated him. The prosecution alleges that after reviewing the journalist's phone and finding a chat with a member of the National Army, Chalá accused him of collaborating with the military and subsequently ordered his execution.
The victim was subjected to torture and shot before being buried in a shallow grave. His body was recovered two days later between the Palmichal and El Hoyo districts. Chalá, who was captured in Tolima on June 12, faces additional charges including aggravated kidnapping, torture, forced disappearance, and the illegal manufacture and trafficking of firearms and ammunition. He has not accepted the charges.
Entities
Antioquia · Briceño · FARC dissidents · Fiscalía General de la Nación · John Edison Chalá Torrejano · Mateo Pérez Rueda
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The victim's body was recovered two days later between the Palmichal and El Hoyo districts. www.lasillavacia.com · www.elnuevodia.com.co · diariodelhuila.com · laopinion.co
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Chalá was captured on June 12 in Tolima. www.lasillavacia.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Chalá also faces charges related to the illegal manufacture, trafficking, and possession of firearms and ammunition. laopinion.co · www.lasillavacia.com · www.lanacion.com.co · diariodelhuila.com · www.minuto30.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The charges against Chalá include aggravated kidnapping, torture, forced disappearance, and homicide. laopinion.co · www.lasillavacia.com · diariodelhuila.com · www.lanacion.com.co · www.minuto30.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] John Edison Chalá Torrejano, leader of the FARC dissidents' Front 36, has been charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda. laopinion.co · www.lasillavacia.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Chalá allegedly accused the journalist of collaborating with the military after reviewing a chat on the victim's phone. laopinion.co · www.lasillavacia.com · www.elnuevodia.com.co · diariodelhuila.com · www.minuto30.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The accused did not accept the charges brought by the prosecution. laopinion.co · www.lasillavacia.com · diariodelhuila.com · www.minuto30.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Mateo Pérez Rueda was intercepted by armed men while traveling by motorcycle to the Palmichal district for work. laopinion.co · diariodelhuila.com · www.lanacion.com.co · www.minuto30.com · www.lasillavacia.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] John Edison Chalá Torrejano, alias Víctor Chalá, has been charged for his alleged role in the kidnapping and murder of journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda. diariodelhuila.com · www.lanacion.com.co · laopinion.co · www.lasillavacia.com · www.minuto30.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Chalá allegedly ordered the murder after finding a chat on the victim's phone with a member of the National Army. www.elnuevodia.com.co · diariodelhuila.com · www.lanacion.com.co · laopinion.co · www.minuto30.com