ST PAUL, Minn — The family of a Twin Cities social justice activist murdered in Colombia is seeking donations to ensure those who took his life are held accountable.
Tou Ger Xiong was savagely beaten to death either Dec. 11 or 12 while on vacation in Colombia, a country he loved to visit. Authorities believe he was lured to an apartment by a woman he previously had contact with, held against his will, beaten and eventually thrown off a cliff.
On Monday, Feb. 5, Tou's brother Eh Xiong posted a GoFundMe account to raise money to pay for an attorney in Medellin who will "aid in the pursuit of justice for Tou Ger."
In a post accompanying the fund Eh Xiong commends law enforcement in Medellin for arresting four of five suspects identified for their alleged roles in Tou's murder, and asks for small donations ranging from $1 to $20. Xiong says the money will be used to pay the attorney whose job will be to help ensure the four suspects are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
"My late brother, Tou Ger Xiong, dedicated his entire life to advocating for the voiceless and championing justice and equality," Eh Xiong wrote. "Tragically, his voice has been silenced, his life unjustly taken away. We're reaching out to friends across the United States, urging you to join us in a collective effort to close the last chapter of Tou Ger's life."
Xiong says any money left over will go towards the Tou Ger Xiong Endowment supporting social justice, heritage preservation, encouraging education and standing against domestic abuse.
Tou Ger Xiong was a refugee from Laos who found a role in the St. Paul community as a comedian and activist who worked for social causes and helped bridge gaps between Hmong and American culture.
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