Activists under siege

—By Amos Kenigsberg

| Thu Dec. 21, 2000 1:00 AM PST

It's telling that in Colombia, many human rights advocates have to look to bodyguards for protection.

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According to NEWS FOR CHANGE, a group of unidentified gunmen recently opened fire on Wilson Borja, wounding the prominent activist and peace organizer. Labor groups say that 96 peace activists have already been killed in Colombia this year. Supporters of peace like Borja are generally not in danger from the leftist guerillas, but rather from right-wing paramilitary groups that are increasingly active in the decades-old conflict. Between his support of unions and peace, Borja -- like many other activists -- has become a marked man.

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