‘We will not avenge this case with blood, because too much blood has already been shed in Colombia for revenge,’ Petro said.

On Thursday, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated that the senators opposing his labor reform are responsible for a violent atmosphere that claimed the life of a farmer in the department of Cauca.

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“Please, a minute of silence for Luis Peña, a hero of the Colombian people’s cause!” Petro urged citizens to pay tribute to the activist from the Historic Pact who was killed in the Libertadores neighborhood, in the municipality of Miranda, in the department of Cauca.

As part of his Workers’ Day speech in Bolivar Square, the Colombian leader blamed right-wing legislators from the Seventh Commission of the Senate for the social activist’s murder. The day before, hitmen shot Luis Peña while he was using a megaphone to call on citizens to join the Workers’ Day marches.

Mayor Walter Zuñiga reported that judicial authorities are investigating the crime and its motivations. Meanwhile, Petro demanded that this murder, along with all crimes committed in the area, be thoroughly investigated.

In addition to being a member of the Social and Political Coordination “Patriotic March,” Luis Peña had been promoting the establishment of the Peasant Reserve Zone in the municipality of Miranda.

The Human Rights Network of Southwestern Colombia recognized him as a human rights defender and a peasant guard. The victim’s family, who confirmed that Luis Peña had not received any prior threats, expressed their gratitude for the Colombian president’s words.

“My ancestors speak of the debt of blood, because there is blood from my family too, because my family is no longer just Petro — my family is the people of Colombia,” Petro declared.

“We will not avenge this case with blood, because too much blood has already been shed in Colombia for revenge. His honor and memory will triumph in the popular consultation,” he added.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Historic Pact – EFE

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