Father of Liverpool pro Díaz released
The kidnapped father of Colombian national soccer player Luis Díaz has been released after almost two weeks.
He was taken by helicopter to Valledupar airport in the department of Cesar, as seen on the Caracol television station. According to media reports, the liberation process took place under the direction of the Catholic Church and a UN commission.
Colombia's President Gustavo Petro recently called on the left-wing guerrilla organization ELN to release the father immediately. The professional from the English Premier League club Liverpool FC himself also addressed the kidnappers directly after scoring a goal in a match with the words "Freedom for Papa" on his T-shirt and a moving statement afterwards.
Kidnapped on October 28
Luis Manuel Díaz and his wife were abducted by a unit of the rebel group in the department of Guajira in the north-east of the country on October 28. While the Liverpool professional's mother was rescued shortly afterwards, his father remained in the hands of the guerrillas.
Recently, there had been repeated signs of an imminent release, although this was repeatedly delayed. The rebels had accused the South American country's armed forces of endangering the handover with their strong presence in the region.
When hostages are released in Colombia, it is customary for the military to withdraw from a certain area in order to facilitate the handover of the abductees and prevent armed clashes. According to media reports, the military then withdrew from the area.
- After his release, Luis Díaz's father expressed his gratitude to Liverpool FC and the Premier League for their support during his ordeal.
- The successful release of Luis Díaz's father has brought a temporary halt to the conflicts between the Colombian government and the left-wing guerrilla organization ELN, at least in this particular matter.
- In the aftermath of his father's release, Luis Díaz dedicated his next goal for Liverpool FC to his father and the end of such crimes in Colombia.
Source: www.dpa.com
