Via CNN: Ex-Colombian leader’s sister slain

The sister of former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria was killed late Thursday in a botched kidnapping attempt that underscored fears of violence a month before national elections.

Liliana Gaviria, a 52-year-old real-estate agent, was killed by unknown assailants in the province of Risaralda, 175 kilometers (110 miles) west of Bogota.

Cesar Gaviria was president of Colombia between 1990-1994, before becoming secretary general of the Organization of American States. He currently leads the main opposition party, the Liberals.

Sad and senseless.

Gaviria is no stranger to the violence in Colombia, as he became the Liberal candidate for President (back when the the PL won all the time) when Carlos Galán was gunned down in 1989. Gaviria was Galán’s campaign manager and went on to take his place in the 1990 primary.

I also recall a documentary in which Gaviria acknowledged that going into politics meant taking risks with himself and his family–making one wonder why anyone can be persuaded to stand up for election in Colombia. Of course, given his sister’s profession, it is possible she was targeted simply for money.