Ingrid Betancourt
Former Columbian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt was kidnapped by FARC along with her aide, Clara Rojas, in February 2002. In January 2008, Rojas was released, but Betancourt remained a hostage.
On July 2, 2008, the defense minister of Columbia announced that Betancourt, three Americans, and 11 other hostages had been freed.
Fast Facts
- Born: December 25, 1961
- Birthplace: Bogota, Colombia
- Alma Mater: Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris
- Married a French diplomat
- Two children: Melanie and Lorenzo
- Colombian Senator: July 20, 1998 – February 23, 2002
- Political party: Green Oxygen Party
- Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
- Kidnapped: February 23, 2002
- Rescued: June 2, 2008
Ingrid Betancourt Rescued
On July 2, 2008, Betancourt was rescued by the Columbian military, along with 14 other hostages. She became a hostage of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in 2002.
Betancourt Reunited with Family
Betancourt was reunited with her children the day after her rescue. The tearful reunion took place in France, on June 3, 2008. Her children traveled from Bogota, Colombia, to France to see her for the first time in six years. She was also welcomed by her ex-husband Fabrice Delloye and her sister Astrid Betancourt.
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