"The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the murder of journalist Emerson Dinael Colindres in Guatemala. It calls on the authorities to conduct diligent, thorough, and impartial investigations to identify, prosecute, and punish those responsible for this crime, as well as to adopt effective measures to prevent further attacks and ensure the protection of journalists.
According to available information, on August 1, 2026, journalist Emerson Dinael Colindres was murdered in Villa Canales, in the department of Guatemala. According to public reports, armed men allegedly shot him as he was about to enter his home, inflicting gunshot wounds that resulted in his death.
Emerson Colindres was the administrator of a news website where he reported on issues of local interest; the site reportedly announced its closure following his murder. This Office notes that, according to available information, the authorities have reportedly launched investigations into the incident. However, as of the date of this statement, there is no official information detailing progress in these investigations or clarifying the motives behind the crime.
The Special Rapporteur’s Office condemns this murder and notes that, with this case, the number of journalists murdered in Guatemala in 2026 has risen to two, following the case of Carlos Humberto Cal."
