Carlos Humberto Cal Ical, a prominent journalist with over 25 years of experience, was intercepted by unidentified individuals outside his residence in San Cristóbal Verapaz, in the Guatemalan department of Alta Verapaz, on April 27, according to news reports and a statement by the Association of Journalists of Guatemala (APG). The attackers opened fire before fleeing the scene and emergency responders confirmed Cal Ical died instantly from five gunshot wounds.
A member of the Association of Journalists of Alta Verapaz, Cal Ical published regularly on his personal Facebook page about local news, religious celebrations. According to a report by the Latin American news website Infobae, the APG said Cal Ical did not report any threats but considered he might have been targeted for his work due to working in Alta Verapaz, a high risk region for journalists and human rights defenders.
CPJ’s emails to the Guatemalan Public Ministry and a text message to the communications official of National Civil Police (PNC) did not receive any response.