Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has reiterated calls for religious leaders in Colombia to receive special security protection following the killing of a Protestant pastor on New Year’s Eve.
The incident occurred within the Santa Elena neighbourhood of Fundación Municipality. Pastor José Otoniel Ortega was celebrating New Year together with his family when he was shot by gunmen and died in consequence of his wounds.
The killing of Pastor Ortega just isn’t an isolated incident. Pastors and spiritual staff have been targeted by armed gangs and militant groups within the country who see them as obstacles to their power and influence, says CSW.
Last yr a mass grave holding the stays of eight religious and social leaders was discovered. The Colombian prosecutor’s office claimed the dead were murdered by a gaggle called Frente Armando Ríos, an offshoot of the FARC guerrilla group.
The six men and two women were allegedly called to a gathering by the group, who wanted to research rumours that a rival militia may be establishing a cell within the local area.
Since December 2024 a minimum of two other Protestant pastors have been killed by gunmen and one Catholic priest kidnapped. The Catholic priest was later released.
Anna Lee Stangl, advocacy director of CSW, said, “CSW extends our deepest condolences to the family and church community of Pastor José Otoniel Ortega for this loss. The nature of the attack on Mr Otoniel Ortega, whilst he was celebrating New Year’s Eve together with his family, makes it clear that this was a premeditated, targeted assassination.”
She added, “We welcome calls from the Colombian government to bring those responsible to justice. However, it’s past time that the Colombian government take motion to reverse its changes to Decree 1066 and to revive the particular protection protocol which addresses the unique needs of non secular leaders.
“Religious leaders, as vulnerable civil society leaders, have to be reinstated under the National Protection System as a matter of urgency.”
 Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has reiterated calls for religious leaders in Colombia to receive special security protection following the killing...){kind=link}