Bogotá, Colombia, Dec 22, 2003 / 22:00 pm
Five foreign tourists and two Colombians were released on Monday after being held since last September 12 by the National Liberation Army (ELN) in the northern mountains of Santa Marta, Colombia, according to sources with the negotiating commission under the direction of the Catholic Church.
Four Israelis and one British citizen who have also been held by the group are scheduled to be released today. The tourists were visiting an ancient archeological site when they were kidnapped in September by the ELN.
Bishop Héctor Fabio Henao and Fr. Dario Echeverry, who are at the place where the hostages are being released, issued a report last week on the humanitarian crisis facing the indigenous and rural populations, who have been victims of the decades-long armed uprisings in the country.
Two other tourists, one from Germany and one from Spain, who were also kidnapped last September 12, were released by the ELN on November 24, with the logistical help of the International Red Cross.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA