Tragic Plane Crash in Northern Colombia Claims 15 Lives, Including Human Rights Defender

On Wednesday evening, a tragic plane crash in northern Colombia resulted in the deaths of all 15 individuals on board. The state airline, Satena, reported that the wreckage of the Beechcraft 1900 aircraft has been located in a mountainous region near Playa de Belén, in the Norte de Santander department. The exact cause of the incident has yet to be determined. The aircraft had taken off from Cúcuta and was en route to Ocaña, approximately 100 kilometers northwest. Among the victims was Diógenes Quintero Amaya, a prominent lawyer and human rights defender. Quintero Amaya had been serving as a deputy in the Chamber since 2022, representing victims of civil war violence, a position established as part of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP guerrilla group. As officials investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, the news has sent shockwaves through the community, especially among those who knew Quintero Amaya, who was dedicated to advocating for justice and rights of individuals affected by Colombia's long-standing conflict. The loss of such a vital figure raises urgent questions about the ongoing challenges faced in the region as the country navigates its complex history of violence and reconciliation. Further updates will be provided as they become available, but the impact of this tragedy will undoubtedly resonate within Colombia’s civil society for years to come. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2