The freeing of Ingrid Betancourt

The sensational story behind the liberation of Ingrid Betancourt. On the 2nd July, 2008 the Colombian army rescued Ingrid Betancourt, FARCs most valuable hostage. It had taken more than six years to secure her freedom. Six years of negotiations, parallel diplomacy and double bluff. For the first time, the military officers involved explain what really happened. How did she come to be finally freed? Was a ransom paid and what role did the Colombian government play in her release?

Political Interest

Ingrid Betancourt is a French-Colombian politician, former Senator and anti-corruption activist. As part of her campaign for the presidency in 2002, Betancourt visited the FARC in order to help with the negotiation process. Instead, Betancourt was kidnapped by the FARC on the 23rd of February 2002. Because of her dual French citizenship, her kidnapping received worldwide coverage, particularly in France.