Maria Ovidia Palechor and James Flor were killed in a double homicide in the Cauca region.
Maria Ovidia Palechor and James Flor were killed in their home in the Cajibúo municipality of Cauca on Friday, August 28, 2026. Both were recognized for their work on community projects and development in the region, and were known for their commitment to the well-being of conflict victims, women, peasants, and indigenous people.
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They were killed by armed men in a double homicide that adds to a growing number of social leader deaths in the region. The Regional Indigenous Council of Cauca (CRIC) described the incident as condemnable and noted that indigenous communities received the news with impact. The deaths of Maria Ovidia Palechor and Palechor's son, James Flor, occurred in a context of systemic violence affecting social organizations and human rights defenders. Authorities and social organizations are demanding protection measures and prompt investigations to ensure the safety of those who remain in the legal framework of the peace agreement.
Sources
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Escalada violenta en el Cauca deja 22 líderes sociales asesinados en lo corrido del 2026
Caracol Radio
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¿Hasta cuándo el asesinato de firmantes de Paz?
elpais.com.co
Paywall and unreadable sources
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Francia Márquez, quien poco reclamó a Petro, reapareció rechazando el crimen de una líder social y llamando la atención a De La Espriella
Revista Semana
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Comunicado a la opinión pública
unidadvictimas.gov.co
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Asesinato de los líderes sociales María Ovidia Palechor y James Flor estremece al Cauca: detalles del crimen
El Tiempo