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PRESS RELEASE N° 28/08
IACHR PRAISES RESCUE OF FARC HOSTAGES Washington, D.C., July 3, 2007 — The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) praises the release of 15 people who had been held as hostages of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The Government of Colombia informed that on July 2, it rescued Colombian hostages José Miguel Arteaga, Juan Carlos Bermeo, Íngrid Betancourt, Julio Buitrago, Armando Castellanos, John Jairo Durán, Armando Flórez, Raimundo Malagón, José Ricardo Marulanda, William Pérez, Vaney Rodríguez and Erasmo Romero, as well as U.S. citizens Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell. The Inter-American Commission expresses its satisfaction over the successful rescue and notes that the operation implemented by the State sought to minimize the risks to the life and physical integrity of the hostages. The IACHR also expresses its joy over the reunion of those rescued with their loved ones, after being held as hostages for several years.
The IACHR urges the armed groups that continue to illegally hold numerous hostages in Colombia to respect their lives, their security and their health, and to proceed with their unconditional and immediate release.
Useful Links IACHR Report on the Implementation of the Justice and Peace Law Human Rights in Colombia, Chapter IV of the 2007 Annual Report, published in April 2008 Report on the Demobilization Process in Colombia, December 2004
Read this press release in Spanish / Lea este comunicado de prensa en español
Press contact: María Isabel
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