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In Colombia, on February 21, 2005, eight members of the San José de Apartadó Peace Community—five adults and three children—were brutally murdered in a massacre that took place in the vereda Mulatos Medios, corregimiento San José de Apartadó (Antioquia), and in the vereda La Resbalosa, municipality of Tierralta (Córdoba). This atrocity was orchestrated jointly by members of the National Army of Colombia and the Héroes de Tolová Block of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) paramilitaries. Initially, the National Army falsely attributed the massacre to the FARC-EP, relying on testimonies from campesinos who were coerced into providing statements under threats and torture by soldiers of the XVII Brigade, commanded by Iván Duque López.

Photographer Pablo Serrano arrived at the community two weeks after the massacre, accompanied by human rights organizations, international observers, and other allies. His powerful photojournalistic story captures the harrowing events and their profound impact on Colombian society. Through his compelling collection of images, Serrano narrates the struggle of the victims, highlighting their resilience and the enduring quest for peace amidst pervasive conflict and injustice. This collection not only documents the tragedy but also serves as a poignant testament to the strength of a community striving to overcome violence and oppression.