A former Colombian presidential candidate and three Americans who were kidnapped by rebels up to six years ago have been shown alive in a series of videos that have given renewed hope to their families.
Ingrid Betancourt, taken by rebels from the left-wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) group while running for president in 2002, appeared chained, downcast and sickly in one of five films seized by Colombian troops, dated October 24.
Painfully gaunt with hair past her waist, she sits silent and motionless on a chair with her hands crossed over her legs, staring blankly at the ground.
Three US State Department contractors, Mark Goncalves, Keith Stanstell and Thomas Howes, seized in February 2003, feature in another video, dated January 1, 2007. Filmed, like Ms Betancourt, against a backdrop of thick jungle, they seem in better health and spirits than the politician.
Ingrid Betancourt, taken by rebels from the left-wing Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) group while running for president in 2002, appeared chained, downcast and sickly in one of five films seized by Colombian troops, dated October 24.
Painfully gaunt with hair past her waist, she sits silent and motionless on a chair with her hands crossed over her legs, staring blankly at the ground.
Three US State Department contractors, Mark Goncalves, Keith Stanstell and Thomas Howes, seized in February 2003, feature in another video, dated January 1, 2007. Filmed, like Ms Betancourt, against a backdrop of thick jungle, they seem in better health and spirits than the politician.
