Santa Marta demands improved public safety after killling of indigenous leader

Santa Marta demands improved public safety after killling of indigenous leader
Oct 17, 2014 posted by Piotr Wojciak

Tensions are on the rise in the northern Colombian city of Santa Marta following the assassination of the son of an indigenous governor and an alleged increase in criminal influence in local politics.

Jacinto Sauna, the eldest son of Jose de los Santos, the leader of the Kogi ethnic group, was assassinated by unknown assailants in his Santa Marta home on Tuesday.

The victim was a student of environmental engineering at the University of Magdalena and an emerging figure in the indigenous community.
“I can’t find words to talk about it. They took away my son, who was part of our heritage and and our culture,” said De los Santos. He added that he had no indication of who might be behind the crime. His son allegedly had not received threats.

Additionally, the Kogi leader expressed his concern over an alleged increase in violence in the region around Santa Marta, concerns that are shared by the University of Magdalena that saw three of its students murdered in the past month.

“Santa Marta is experiencing difficult days, and respect for life and human rights is seriously violated,” read the statement by the University.

More:
http://colombiareports.co/outrage-santa-marta-assassination-indigenous-leader/