MCC parter, Justapaz, is reporting of another disturbing case of assassination in the northern Colombian province of Cordoba. Please refer to an action alert that was sent out earlier this month regarding an ongoing state of crisis in this region.
Here’s the latest report that we received:
We are writing during the fact-finding mission in Southern Córdoba focused on the humanitarian and institutional crisis. The mission is comprised of United Nations offices, Human Rights Ombudsman officials (Defensoria del Pueblo), Lutheran World Relief, Justapaz, Corsoc (Corporation for Community Solidarity) and the Peace Commission of the Evangelical Council of Colombia (CEDECOL).
Teacher and Community Council President (junta de acción communal), RAMIRO MONTES VALENCIA was assassinated on Thursday, October 29, 2009 by gunshot by alleged members of the paramilitary group “Los Paisas.” According to witnesses, he was waiting for public transportation along the San Jorge River, in the Pica Pica Nuevo community in the municipality of Montelíbano. Members of the armed group opened fire on the community leader, killing him immediately, and injuring two others in the presence of school children. Ramiro is survived by his wife and four children, ages seven, six, five, and three, of the Beautiful Light church of the Association of Evaneglical Churches of the Caribbean.
Please pray for Ramiro’s family and the community.
