Statement from Pueblos en Camino on the Release of Ingrid Betancourt

Written by the Pueblos en Camino Collective,
Originally published in Pueblos en Camino, 2 July 2008

WE REJOICE, WITH THOSE LIBERATED, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AND CALL THEM TO USE THEIR FREEDOM TO ACHIEVE THAT OF ALL COLOMBIANS

Colombia's Minister of Defense has just announced that former Presidential Candidate Ingrid Betancur, together with three American Soldiers and 11 members of the Colombian Armed Forces held by FARC have been rescued unharmed in a successful operation carried out by Colombian intelligence disguised as representatives of a "fake" NGO who were to transfer them under the orders of FARC's Secretariat. As this note is written, the Minister says they are being transferred by air to a military base (Tolemaida) near Bogotá. Ingrid has been in captivity for 6 years and 4 months.

We share in rejoicing on these news and hope all others will be released promptly. As we celebrate the successful operation and their freedom, we await further news and hope that this happening promotes not only the liberation of all those kidnapped, but also the necessary
mobilizations in order to free Colombians as a whole from the social injustice and corruption that has lead to so much suffering and hatred.

Our feelings of affection go to the families and friends of those liberated and to the relatives and friends of those who remain in captivity, as well as to the millions of victims of systematic terror exercised by the establishment and by all those who use force for their benefit.

Until everyone is free and there is justice, we cannot forget or forgive. May the freedom and joy of Ingrid and the other 14 people that have been rescued unharmed help all of us to bring freedom to Colombia!

May our collective actions bring peace with justice at last! In the midst of our joy we must state firmly: NO LIBERATION WILL ENDURE UNTIL IT IS GRANTED TO ALL WITHIN A JUST SOCIETY. In celebration and commitment we express these feelings and share the joy and good news. To us, this momentous event constitutes an invitation to mobilize until there is
freedom and justice in Colombia for all.