Íngrid Betancourt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Íngrid Betancourt
Senator of Colombia
In office 20 July 1998 – 21 May 2001
Member of the Chamber of Representatives
In office 20 July 1994 – 20 July 1998
Constituency	Capital District
Personal details
Born	Íngrid Betancourt Pulecio (1961-12-25) 25 December 1961 (age 63) Bogotá, Colombia
Nationality	Colombian French
Political party	Oxygen Green Party
Spouses	Fabrice Delloye ​ ​ (m. 1983; div. 1990)​ Juan Carlos Lecompte ​ ​ (m. 1997; div. 2011)​
Children	2
Education	Sciences Po (BA) Harris Manchester College, Oxford (ABD)

Íngrid Betancourt Pulecio (born 25 December 1961) is a Colombian politician. She used to be a senator and worked hard against political corruption.

In 2002, Íngrid Betancourt was running for president in Colombia. On 23 February, she was kidnapped by a rebel group called the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). She was held captive for six and a half years. On 2 July 2008, Colombian forces rescued her in a special mission called Operation Jaque. Along with Íngrid, 14 other people were freed. These included three American citizens and 11 Colombian soldiers and police officers.

Her kidnapping was big news around the world, especially in France. She also had French citizenship because she was married to a French diplomat. After her rescue, she received many international awards. These included the Légion d'honneur and the Concord Prince of Asturias Award. Some people who were held captive with her described her as "controlling." Others said she was "caring" and "brave." One former captive even said she saved his life. In 2022, she ran for president again, finishing in seventh place.

About Íngrid Betancourt

Íngrid Betancourt was born in Bogotá, Colombia. Her mother, Yolanda Pulecio, was a former beauty queen. She was known for helping children who didn't have homes. Yolanda also served in the Colombian Congress.

Íngrid's father, Gabriel Betancourt, was a Minister of Education. He also worked for the United Nations (UNESCO) and was Colombia's ambassador in Paris. Her mother's family came from Italy.

Íngrid went to private schools in France and England. She also studied at the Paris Institute of Political Studies. Later, she studied for a special degree in theology at Oxford University.

In 1983, Íngrid married Fabrice Delloye, a French citizen. They had two children, Mélanie and Lorenzo. Because of this marriage, she also became a French citizen. They lived in different countries because of her husband's diplomatic work.

Íngrid and Fabrice divorced in the mid-1990s. Íngrid then returned to Colombia. She worked as an advisor for government ministers. In 1994, she was elected to the House of Representatives. She ran on a platform to fight corruption. In 1998, she became a Senator. Her children, Mélanie and Lorenzo, moved to New Zealand. This was because of threats against their mother due to her political work.

In 1997, Íngrid married Juan Carlos Lecompte. Their marriage ended after she was rescued in 2008.

Íngrid's Political Journey

In 1989, a presidential candidate named Luis Carlos Galán was killed. Íngrid's mother was a supporter of Galán. She was standing right behind him when he was shot. This event made Íngrid want to return to Colombia and get involved in politics.

From 1990, Íngrid worked in government ministries. She later left these jobs to become a politician. She gained support from many people, especially young people and women.

Becoming a Representative (1994)

In 1994, Íngrid Betancourt was elected to the Chamber of Representatives. This was a big surprise to many. During her time there, she spoke out against President Ernesto Samper. He was accused of corruption. In 1997, Íngrid started her own political group. It was called the Partido Verde Oxigeno (Green Oxygen Party). This party offered a new choice to voters.

Becoming a Senator (1998)

Íngrid ran for senator in 1998. She received the most votes of any candidate in that election. During her time as a senator, she faced threats. Because of this, she sent her children to live with their father in New Zealand.

That same year, Andrés Pastrana became president. Íngrid supported him after he promised to fight corruption. However, this reform did not happen. So, Íngrid stopped supporting the government and joined the opposition.

Running for President (2002)

Íngrid started her presidential campaign on 20 May 2001. She traveled around the country to meet people.

As part of her campaign, Íngrid decided to visit San Vicente del Caguán. This town was in a special "demilitarized zone" (DMZ). Peace talks with the FARC had failed, and the DMZ was ending. The Colombian Army was trying to remove FARC rebels from the area. President Pastrana had visited the town to show the FARC had left. The government also told Íngrid's bodyguards not to go with her.

Despite this, Íngrid was determined to go. The army would not fly her there. So, she decided to drive. The government later said she signed a paper releasing them from responsibility. But Íngrid and others denied this.

The peace talks had been stuck for over three years. The FARC would not agree to stop fighting during talks. They also would not let international groups watch the talks. The DMZ was supposed to be for peace. But the FARC continued kidnappings and attacks. They would then hide back in the DMZ. Many civilians were kidnapped and held in the DMZ. By late 2001, people were losing hope in the peace process.

In February 2002, FARC members hijacked a plane. They kidnapped a member of Congress. Because of this, President Pastrana ended the peace talks. He said the FARC had used the DMZ to get stronger. He announced that the military would take back the DMZ.

Her Story in Books

After her political experiences, Íngrid wrote a book in French in 2001. It was called La rage au cœur. The book became very popular in France. It was later published in Spanish as La rabia en el corazón. In English, it was called Until Death Do Us Part: My Struggle to Reclaim Colombia.

The Kidnapping

Many politicians visited the former DMZ. When Íngrid announced her trip, the government said she would have a security escort. But when she arrived at the airport, an offer for a military helicopter ride was taken back. Her bodyguards were also told to cancel their mission. The government said they couldn't use public resources for her private political interests. Íngrid argued that the government had a duty to protect any presidential candidate.

When she was denied a helicopter, Íngrid decided to drive. She went with Clara Rojas, her campaign manager, and some aides. On 23 February 2002, Íngrid's car was stopped at the last military checkpoint. Military officers said they tried to stop her. But the driver, Adair Lamprea, said traffic was normal. He said the officers only asked for their IDs and did not try to stop them. Other cars were also passing through normally.

Íngrid was kidnapped at a FARC checkpoint. Her kidnapper, Nolberto Uni Vega, later said the kidnapping was not planned. Despite being kidnapped, Íngrid's name was still on the ballot for the presidential election. Her husband promised to continue her campaign. She received less than 1% of the votes.

Íngrid later said in an interview that the government did offer to fly her. But then they took away the flight and her bodyguards. She also said she was never warned about danger on the road. She said checkpoints let her through without warning.

Efforts to Free Hostages

The FARC wanted to exchange their "political hostages" for jailed rebels. But they would not include people kidnapped for money. The new president, Álvaro Uribe, at first refused to negotiate without a ceasefire. He preferred rescue operations.

However, relatives of the hostages worried about rescue missions. This was especially after a governor and soldiers were killed during a failed rescue in 2003. The FARC shot them when they knew the army was coming.

Negotiations for Release

After Íngrid's kidnapping, groups in Europe worked to free her. Her father died a month later from heart problems.

In 2003, a French rescue attempt failed. In August 2003, the FARC released a video of Íngrid.

In 2004, President Uribe's government offered to free 50 to 60 jailed rebels. In return, the FARC would release their political and military hostages, including Íngrid. France and Switzerland supported this plan. The FARC said they had not received the offer earlier. They also wanted to decide how many of their jailed members would be freed. They wanted them to return to the rebel group.

Later, the FARC suggested a meeting. They proposed a "security zone" for 72 hours. This would allow negotiators to meet face-to-face. Íngrid's mother, Yolanda Pulecio, saw this as a positive step.

In 2006, France urged the FARC to accept a prisoner swap. A FARC leader, Raul Reyes, said Íngrid was "doing well" in her situation.

In May 2007, a captured police officer, Jhon Frank Pinchao, escaped from FARC. He said Íngrid was held in the same camp. He also said she tried to escape many times. But she was caught and "severely punished." French President Nicolas Sarkozy asked President Uribe to release a FARC leader. In return, Íngrid would be freed.

In June 2007, 30 FARC members were freed by the government. This was a goodwill gesture to help free Íngrid. But it did not lead to her release. In July, Íngrid's daughter said French diplomats could not confirm she was alive. But former hostage Pinchao insisted she was alive. He said she had tried to escape and was punished.

In August 2007, a Venezuelan reporter claimed Íngrid was in Venezuela. She said her release was close. The Colombian government doubted this. Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez offered to help negotiate. But he denied knowing where Íngrid was.

In November 2007, Chávez said he had proof Íngrid was alive. On 30 November, the Colombian government found videos and letters from hostages. Íngrid appeared very thin in one video. A letter to her mother was also published.

2008 Efforts

In 2008, President Chávez helped arrange the release of several civilian hostages. Clara Rojas and Consuelo González were freed. Clara Rojas's son, Emmanuel, born in captivity, had been freed earlier. He was left in a foster home after being badly treated by the rebels.

In February 2008, four former members of Congress were freed. They were worried about Íngrid's health. One said she was "exhausted" and "chained up in inhumane conditions." Another said she had hepatitis B and was "near the end." President Sarkozy offered to go in person to accept her release.

In March 2008, the Colombian government offered to free hundreds of rebels for Íngrid's release. In April, news said Íngrid had stopped taking medicine and eating. Her son, Lorenzo, asked the FARC and President Uribe to free her. He said she needed a blood transfusion to live.

France sent a medical team to Colombia. But the FARC refused them access to the hostages. They said the mission was not agreed upon. France then called off the mission.

The Rescue Mission

On 2 July 2008, the Minister of Defense announced Íngrid Betancourt's rescue. The mission was called "Jaque" (meaning "checkmate" in Spanish). Colombian military intelligence agents secretly joined FARC groups. They gained the trust of FARC leaders. The agents convinced the FARC members guarding the hostages to gather them. They said the hostages would be flown to the FARC chief.

Instead, government personnel dressed as FARC members flew them to safety. No one was hurt during the rescue. Fifteen hostages were freed. This included Íngrid, three American contractors, and 11 Colombian soldiers.

The agents had spent months gaining trust within FARC. They ordered the hostages moved to a central area. From there, the hostages, agents, and about 60 real FARC members marched through the jungle. They went to a spot where a helicopter was supposed to pick them up. An unmarked white helicopter landed. Colombian forces, still dressed as FARC members, jumped out. They told the FARC guards they would take the hostages to a meeting. All captives were handcuffed and put on the helicopter. Two FARC guards were also taken. Once the helicopter was in the air, the guards were disarmed. A crew member then told the hostages, "We are the national military. You are free."

Later, it was revealed that a Red Cross emblem was used by one official during the rescue. Under international law, this is a serious issue.

After the Rescue

Íngrid Betancourt thanked the Colombian armed forces and President Álvaro Uribe. She supported Uribe continuing as president. She asked the presidents of Venezuela and Ecuador to help Colombia. She urged them to seek changes in her country through peaceful, democratic ways. She also promised to help those still held captive.

After returning to France, Íngrid spoke on French radio. She said she agreed that Uribe's security policy worked. But she also said the way people talk about the FARC needed to change. She thanked President Hugo Chávez for helping free many Colombian hostages.

Reunion and Celebrations

Íngrid Betancourt in September 2010

President Sarkozy sent a French Air Force jet to Colombia. On board were Íngrid's children, her sister, and her family. The Foreign Minister also came. They had an emotional reunion. After visiting her father's tomb, Íngrid and her family flew to France. President Sarkozy and the First Lady greeted her. She gave speeches, asking the world not to forget other hostages. She also spent several days in the hospital.

On 9 July, Chile's President nominated Íngrid for a Nobel Prize. Nicolas Sarkozy announced she would receive the Legion of Honor. On 20 July, Íngrid appeared with singer Juanes in Paris. They celebrated Colombia's independence day. She again urged the FARC to release all hostages.

Money Claims

In July 2008, a Swiss radio station reported that the rescue happened after a US$20 million payment. This payment was supposedly made by the United States. The French Foreign Ministry denied paying any ransom.

The reporter said the money was paid to "alias César." He was one of the two FARC rebels captured during the operation. The reporter said these two rebels might get new identities in Spain, France, and Switzerland.

Colombian officials strongly denied any payment. The Minister of Defense said the information was "absolutely false." He joked that it would have been a "cheap offer." He said they would have been willing to pay up to US$100 million. He also said they would have announced it publicly as part of their reward system.

Compensation Request

In June 2010, Íngrid Betancourt asked for money from the Colombian government. This was under a law for victims of terrorism. She said she was not protected when her escorts were removed in 2002. This allowed her to be kidnapped. The Colombian government said she was attacking the soldiers who freed her. The Vice President called her request "greedy" and "ungrateful."

A few days later, Íngrid's lawyer said the focus should be on state protection. He said no one was attacking soldiers. He stressed that Íngrid was "deeply grateful" to the armed forces.

Íngrid later withdrew her request for money. She said she was upset by how her actions were twisted. She felt like she was being treated like a criminal.

Apology from Kidnapper

On 15 April 2008, Íngrid's kidnapper, Nolberto Uni Vega, apologized. He said he was sorry for kidnapping her. He sent a letter of apology to a journalist for Íngrid's mother.

Out of Captivity Book

Three American contractors, Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell, and Thomas Howes, were held captive with Íngrid. In their book, Out of Captivity, they described her behavior. They said she was selfish and felt she deserved better treatment. They claimed she took more than her share of food and space. Keith Stansell said he could forgive, but not respect, Íngrid. However, Marc Gonsalves defended her. He said she was "courageous" and behaved like a "hero."

Íngrid Betancourt chose not to comment on these claims. Her spokesperson said she was busy writing her own book.

Life After Freedom

After her rescue, Íngrid received the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur. She also got the Prince of Asturias Award of Concord in October 2008. She met with many world leaders. These included the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, Pope Benedict XVI, and the King of Spain.

In 2009, she signed a deal to write her memoirs. The book was published in 2010. It was called Même le silence a une fin (Even Silence Has an End: My Six Years of Captivity in the Colombian Jungle). The book describes her difficult time as a hostage. It was praised as an "extraordinary adventure story." Her writing was compared to famous authors.

Íngrid filed for divorce in 2009. As of 2017, she was studying for a PhD in Theology at Oxford. She has spoken about how people can be "horrible to others." She said her experience helped her understand things like how the Nazis could have happened.

WikiLeaks Information

Documents released by WikiLeaks in 2011 showed something interesting. They suggested that FARC commander Cesar, who was captured during the rescue, had offered to release Íngrid. This was before the rescue operation. He supposedly offered to do it for money and protection.

Recognition

In 2013, Íngrid Betancourt was named one of the BBC's 100 Women.

See also

In Spanish: Íngrid Betancourt para niños

• List of kidnappings
• List of solved missing person cases