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Colombians protest against kidnappings
Thousands of Colombians marched on Sunday, shouting, weeping and calling for an end to the kidnappings that have plagued the country during its 44-year-old guerrilla war.
- Agencies
- Published: 10:09 July 21, 2008
Bogota: Thousands of Colombians marched on Sunday, shouting, weeping and calling for an end to the kidnappings that have plagued the country during its 44-year-old guerrilla war.
Colombians rallied throughout the country and voiced growing hope for an end to the conflict. They demanded that this year's Independence Day should be renamed "Freedom Day" for the 2,800 captives held in secret jungle camps.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC, were also called upon by the protestors, asking them to stop taking hostages and enter peace talks.
Similar demonstrations were also held in cities around the world, including Paris, where recently released captive Ingrid Betancourt addressed an emotional crowd.
Over the last 12 years, over 20,000 people have been taken hostage in Colombia, many of which are still in captivity.
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