The sign reads, "Being a social leader is not a crime," Bogota, Colombia, April 29, 2021. | Photo: Twitter/ @InfoNodal
Published 30 April 20
1,173 social leaders have been murdered since the signing of the 2016 Peace Agreement.
Colombia's Institute of Studies for Development and Peace (INDEPAZ) on Thursday reported the murder of social leader Wilson Lopez by armed men in Aguadas municipality, Caldas Department.
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"Lopez, who was renowned for promoting family farming campaigns in El Congal village, was shot to death while walking through the community on Wednesday afternoon," INDEPAZ stated.
The social leader encouraged the return to the community of dozens of people who were victims of forced displacement by paramilitary and guerrilla groups.
Sixteen years ago, El Congal was affected by armed groups that committed crimes and constantly threatened its inhabitants.
"Just a few days ago, the farmers returned to their territory. Today they are left without their struggle's leader," INDEPAZ stressed.
Fifty-seven social leaders have been killed so far this year. The number of leaders killed stands at 1,173 since the signing of the 2016 Peace Agreement.
On Wednesday, Colombians took to the streets to protest against the increasing violence in their country and the systematic assassinations of social leaders.
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