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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [INTERNATIONAL]

2 clusters · 15 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Assassination of journalist in Huehuetenango, Guatemala

Overview

On October 2, 2026, journalist Evelio Lizandro López Sánchez, founder of the digital outlet ‘Huehue es Noticias’, was shot and killed in San Pedro Necta, Huehuetenango. Prior to his death, López Sánchez had reportedly received death threats related to his journalistic work.

The assassination triggered violent unrest in the municipality, with protesters burning a National Civil Police substation, a residence, and a vehicle. Local press groups, including the Huehuetenango Press Association, expressed concern over the safety of media workers outside the capital and raised issues regarding the potential compromise of evidence due to delays in the arrival of the Public Ministry.

In response to the killing, the United States Embassy in Guatemala and international organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Inter American Press Association have called for a thorough and transparent investigation. These groups have urged authorities to prioritize investigating whether the victim’s professional work was the motive for the crime.

Entities

Reporters Without Borders · Huehuetenango Press Association · Ministry of the Interior · Association of Press of Huehuetenango · Inter American Press Association

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    United States calls for investigation into Guatemalan journalist's murder

    The U.S. Embassy and press freedom groups demand justice for journalist Evelio Lisandro López Sánchez, who was assassinated in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, following reported death threats.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 14 sources
    Guatemala journalist Evelio López murdered, sparking riots in Huehuetenango

    The assassination of journalist Evelio Lizandro López Sánchez in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, sparked violent riots, including the burning of a police station, as local press groups demand justice.

Sources

berthoalain.com · brasilemfolhas.com.br · centroamerica360.com · crprensa.com · elnuevodiario.com.do · elsiglo.com.gt · emisorasunidas.com · jamaicaobserver.com · lahora.gt · lasnoticiasdelvalle.com · prensa-latina.cu · prensalibre.com · primermomento.com · republica.com · tvn-2.com