Jorge Briceno was charged with aggravated homicide, kidnapping to extort and
                 rebellion. Briceno is a top commander in the Revolutionary Armed Forces of
                 Colombia, or FARC.

                 The FARC kidnapped activists Terence Freitas, Ingrid Washinawatok and
                 Lahe'ena'e Gay in February 1999 while they worked with Indians in Arauca state in
                 northeastern Colombia, the prosecutor's office said.

                 The Americans' bullet-ridden bodies were found just over the border in Venezuela
                 on March 5, 1999 -- a week after they were kidnapped.

                 Six FARC members -- including Briceno's brother, German -- were indicted in the
                 United States on May 1 on charges relating to the deaths. Jorge Briceno was not
                 among those indicted.

                 The office of the Colombian prosecutor in charge of human rights said Jorge
                 Briceno ordered his brother to kill the activists.

                 Authorities are unsure of the whereabouts of either Briceno.

                 Colombia's 38-year civil war pits the FARC and a smaller rebel group against an
                 illegal paramilitary army and government forces. About 3,500 people are killed in
                 the fighting every year.

                 Colombia has the highest kidnapping rate in the world. Rebel kidnappings often are
                 for ransom or political reasons.

                 The State Department considers most of the country unsafe for Americans.

                  Copyright 2002 The Associated Press.