IFJ urges probe into arson attack on Paraguay reporter
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 29 September 2026 | JP Global Monitoring
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The International Federation of Journalists urged an impartial investigation and protection after a masked attacker set fire to Paraguayan reporter César Candia's parked car at his home, destroying equipment but causing no injuries.Summary
ASUNCIÓN — The International Federation of Journalists has called for an impartial investigation into an arson attack at the home of Paraguayan reporter César Candia, warning that the failure to identify those responsible leaves him and his family at risk.
A masked person entered Candia's property in Yasy Cañy, in the Canindeyú department, shortly after midnight on September 25 and set fire to his parked car. Security-camera footage showed the attacker pouring fuel on the vehicle before igniting it. Candia and his family were not physically injured.
No arrests as investigation stalls
Candia is a correspondent for television outlets SNT and C9N and also runs the local digital outlet Noticias al Día. Equipment he used for his reporting was destroyed inside the vehicle.
As of September 28, no one had been arrested, and authorities had not publicly identified a suspect, according to Paraguayan newspaper Última Hora. Candia questioned why the case remained classified as alleged property damage despite the deliberate fire being set inside his home's garage.
Calls for protection and accountability
The IFJ joined the Paraguayan Journalists' Union in seeking immediate protection for Candia and his family. It also urged authorities to identify and prosecute both the direct perpetrators and anyone who ordered the attack.
The federation renewed its call for Paraguay's Congress to advance legislation designed to protect journalists and human rights defenders. It said such a law was needed to help prevent violence, confront impunity and safeguard freedom of expression.
Authorities opened an investigation under prosecutor Néstor Narváez, and police initially said they were reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence. The motive for the attack has not been officially established.
ATTRIBUTION: Based on an IFJ statement published September 28, 2026, Última Hora reporting published September 28, 2026, and ABC Color reporting published September 25, 2026.
PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only
Key Points
- A masked person entered César Candia's property and set fire to his parked car inside the garage.
- No physical injuries were reported, but reporting equipment inside the vehicle was destroyed.
- As of Sept. 28, no arrests had been made and no suspect was publicly identified.
- The IFJ and the Paraguayan Journalists' Union demanded protection, an impartial probe, and prosecution of perpetrators and those who ordered the attack.
- The IFJ renewed calls for legislation to protect journalists and human rights defenders to prevent such attacks.
Key Questions & Answers
What happened to César Candia?
A masked person entered his property and set fire to his parked car inside the garage; Candia and his family were not physically injured but his reporting equipment was destroyed.
Have any arrests been made?
No arrests had been reported as of Sept. 28, and authorities had not publicly identified a suspect.
What are the IFJ and other groups calling for?
The IFJ and the Paraguayan Journalists' Union seek immediate protection for Candia and his family, an impartial investigation, and prosecution of those responsible and those who ordered the attack.
Is there a wider legal response being urged?
The IFJ renewed its call for Paraguay's Congress to advance legislation to protect journalists and human rights defenders to help prevent violence and confront impunity.
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