Death threats force ex-hostage into exile

A former hostage who was held by guerilla captors in Colombia for nearly seven years fled into exile earlier today. Since being freed by the FARC in February, Luis Eladio Perez had campaigned hard for the liberation of hundreds of other captives and even attempted to meet with world leaders like U.S. President George W. Bush. Yet the death threats grew in the days after last Wednesday's mission which freed fifteen hostages:

“(The threats) are related to comments I made recently about those two (guerillas captured during the mission) but also based on my experience related to the FARC. I have been absolutely clear on how I lived,” said the ex-senator. – [ed. personal translation]

An interview given to the Colombian press shortly before he boarded his flight, Perez vowed to continue working hard for the freedom of all those held in captivity. Earlier this week, Perez told CNN that the hostages at times argued with each other and he blasted his guerilla captors for “treating people like animals.”

Image- BBC News (Image of Luis Eladio Perez during his time as a hostage)

Sources (English)- CNN, The Latin Americanist, Reuters Africa

Sources (Spanish)- Caracol Radio, El Tiempo