FARC victim will not quit gubernatorial race

The candidate for the governorship of the Colombian department of Guaviare, Jose Perez Restrepo, who on Sunday was the victim of an attempted kidnapping by the FARC, announced that he will continue his election campaign, reported Terra on Tuesday.

The candidate suffered an ambush on his motorcade by the guerrilla group on the weekend which left six people dead.

Perez was taken captive by the FARC guerillas, but was rescued by the police and army. After the attack he was taken to a nearby hospital to treat gun wounds to the neck and leg.

Perez has announced that the incident will not deter him from running for governorship.

Speaking to reporters Perez said that he will continue with his campaign because “democracy cannot be stopped, it would be like showing that rebellion had won.”

Elections are being held in the department to replace former governor and Conservative Party member Oscar de Jesus. Lopez Cadavid, who was arrested in 2007 for alleged links to paramilitary Pedro Oliverio Guerrero Castillo, alias “Cuchillo.”

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