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href="https://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Colombian-Social-Leader-Killed-in-Choco-by-Paramilitaries-20171127-0005.html">https://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Colombian-Social-Leader-Killed-in-Choco-by-Paramilitaries-20171127-0005.html</a></font>
<h1 id="reader-title">Colombian Social Leader Killed in Choco by
Paramilitaries<br>
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<div id="reader-estimated-time">27 November 2017 </div>
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<p>The death of another Colombian social leader was
reported overnight as local organizations denounced the
continual stream of violence which has killed over 160
activists in 2017.</p>
<p>Mario Castaño was killed Sunday evening around 7:00
p.m. in Belen de Bajira, Choco by paramilitaries, the
Peace Commission reported from its Twitter account.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident.</p>
<p>"We deeply regret the assassination of social leader
Mario Castano,” the social organization, Redprodepaz,
posted. “Our solidarity hug for your family and
organization. #BastaYa. Peace should not cost us our
lives!"</p>
<p>The organization, which coordinates with a network of
30 groups to manage 27 development and peace programs,
was one of the first to report Castaño's death.</p>
<p>"Mario Castaño — murdered today — claimed land stolen
by paramilitaries, which was in the name of Sr. Teresa
Gomez, sister of Carlos Castaño. Apparently, a high
officer of the Seventeenth Army Brigade is linked to the
threats," said journalist Oscar Andres, adding that
Mario Castaño was a member of Belen’s community council
and should have been protected by his role as director
of the National Protection Unit of the Republic of
Colombia.</p>
<p>Late last week, a missing Indigenous leader named
Tandachiridu Inganokuna was also found dead in Belen
with marks on his body consistent with torture. Police
said the man was killed with a knife and the incident is
under investigation.</p>
<p>"We categorically reject these episodes of violence
that tarnish the tranquility and peace that the
caquetaños are consolidating thanks to the signing
between the Government and the FARC," said Alvaro
Pacheco Alvarez, governor of Caqueta.</p>
<p>The National Organization of Indigenous Peoples of
Colombian Amazon “flatly” rejected the “cruel murder” of
the leader who was reported missing last Thursday.</p>
<p>"As the Indigenous authority of his organization,
Tandachiridu Inganokuna, he held different positions at
departmental level," Opiac said.</p>
<p>According to Opiac, 182 Indigenous and social leaders
were killed in defense of their territories and in
pursuit of freedom in their communities since 2016.</p>
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