A 24-year-old journalist and Political Science student, Mateo Pérez, was killed by FARC dissident fighters in northern Antioquia, Colombia on May 4th while investigating armed clashes between drug trafficking groups. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights condemned his murder and urged the Colombian government to strengthen protections for journalists reporting in conflict-affected areas, citing the chilling effect such killings have on press freedom and public access to information.

Colombia's Electoral Observation Mission warns that 37 municipalities in Antioquia department—29.6% of the region—face extreme to medium risk of electoral fraud and violence during the 2026 presidential elections. Armed groups including the Gulf Clan and FARC dissidents are waging territorial wars in northern Antioquia and bordering regions, using drones, car bombs, and forced displacement to maintain control over drug trafficking and mining routes. The murder of journalist Mateo Pérez in Briceño exemplifies how criminal organizations now wield more power than state institutions in these zones.