InstantLESSONS
Hostages freed after six years
TERRY FREDRICKSON
Ingrid Betancourt woke up Wednesday, as always, at 4am, for yet another day in the Colombian jungle, her seventh year as a captive of Farc rebels.
A bit later, she and the 14 other hostages who were with her were told to pack their things. Helicopters were coming to take them to another guerrilla camp.
When the helicopters arrived, the rebels shoved the captives, their hands bound, onto a white unmarked MI-17 helicopter.
Looking at the helicopter crew, some wearing Che Guevara shirts, Ms Betancourt believed they were just another group of rebels.
Angry and upset, she refused a coat they offered as they told her she was going to a colder climate.
Shortly afterward, she got the shock of her life. When the helicopter was airborne, she turned around and saw that the local rebel commander, known as Cesar, a man who had tormented her for four years, had been blindfolded and stripped naked on the floor.
Then came the unbelievable words. "We're the national army," said one of the crewmen. "You're free."
The helicopter crew were soldiers in disguise. Cesar and the other guerrillas aboard had been persuaded to hand over their pistols, then overpowered. Not a single shot had been fired.
Within hours, she was back in Colombia's capital of Bogota standing next to the president. "God, this is a miracle," she said.
Ms Betancourt was probably the world's most famous hostage. She was captured in 2002 while campaigning for president of Colombia, but she was also a citizen of France with two French children.
The French president had been particularly active in trying to win her freedom and her sad story was followed closely throughout Europe. You can expect joyous scenes when she visits France in the near future.
Yesterday, she made it clear that Colombia is still her home, however. "I continue to aspire to serve Colombia as president," she said.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Next
