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Colombian Killings Continue with Murder of Rural Union Activist

Posted to the IUF website 22-Sep-2005

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Another trade unionist has paid with his life for the impunity which nourishes institutionalized violence and the relentless war against trade unionists in Colombia.

Reynel Duque Ramirez, a local peasant leader of the IUF-affiliated UNAC (Union Nacional Agroalimentaria de Colombia, the national agro-food workers' federation) in the municipality of Monta�ita, Department of Caquet�, set off for work in his canoe on the morning of September 16. According to the available information, he was seized by unidentified armed men in uniform. His body was later discovered with bullet wounds in the head.

Reynel, who was also a municipal leader, leaves behind a widow and 5 sons with no means of subsistence. The tools with which he made his living - a canoe and a motor - have been hidden or destroyed, presumably to conceal evidence of the crime.

The IUF has written the Colombian authorities to demand a full investigation of this barbaric crime and prosecution of the perpetrators.

To send a message to Colombian President �lvaro Uribe V�lez, with copies to UNAC and to the IUF click here.