PUERTO ASIS, Colombia (AP) — Jani Silva is a renowned environmental activist in Colombia’s Amazon, but she has been unable to live in her house for nearly a decade. She has lived under threat from armed groups who forced her out and require her to have a permanent security detail. Living with fear can come with activism in Colombia, where one group recorded 48 killings of activists last year. Colombia says it protects activists through its National Protection Unit, providing bodyguards and other security measures. Officials also note progress in court rulings recognizing the rights of nature and stronger environmental oversight. But watchdog groups say the state should do more to prosecute anyone behind threats and attacks.
By Steven Grattan, Associated Press
This story first appeared on Mongabay
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