Source RCN Radio

In the village of San Antonio, in the rural area of ​​Maceo, Magdalena Medio Antioqueño, Fernando Jaramillo Vélez, 63, a respected social and environmental leader in the region was murdered. The man had denounced mining projects, which he said affected the population and the environment, but no death threats were known against him.

The spokesman of the NGO, Nodo Antioquia, Oscar Yesid Zapata, confirmed that armed men arrived at his home, where he was talking with his family and close friends. He was shot several times until he was killed, facts that are being investigated by the authorities.

«Mr. Fernando Jaramillo Vélez was assassinated, because he was working as environmental and social leader of the municipal territory of Maceo. What we know is that an armed man came running to his home and shot him several times and killed him.»

With this case, there are now twelve leaders and human rights defenders who have been killed this year in the department. According to Óscar Yesid Zapata, the most affected regions are the Lower Cauca and North of the department, where violence has increased significantly.

«We are concerned that violence continues in Bajo Cauca and because of the lack of a state presence and government control in the area. As a result violent acts against the population and the leaders and defenders of human rights continue unabated».

For now, the authorities are carrying out investigations to clarify this violent fact, which has shocked the community, since it involves an older adult, who led actions defending the environment and the community.