Colombia: Mass protests against kidnappings and violence

Hundreds of thousands of Colombians have taken to the streets in government-led protests calling for the liberation of kidnapping victims held hostage by the FARC rebel group. In the capital of Bogota, President Alvaro Uribe headed the march while wearing a shirt saying “Freedom Without Conditions, Now!”, while acclaimed singer Juanes took part in a march in Medellin.

Yesterday the FARC released a “proof of life'” video with several hostages asking for the government and rebels to negotiate. Colombians were outraged last week when a FARC communiqué revealed the deaths of eleven regional legislators who had been held captive for over five years.

Sources (English)- Guardian UK, BBC News, Bloomberg

Source (Spanish)- RCN

Image- El Tiempo (Approximately 100,000 protestors gathered in Cali’s main plaza earlier today)