Former Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, who spent six years as a hostage of leftist Farc rebels, is asking Colombia’s government for compensation. Ms Betancourt and her family are seeking $6.8 million in damages for ’emotional distress’ and loss of earnings during her time as a hostage.
Colombian officials, however, appear to be rather surprised by this quest for compensation, pointing out that troops risked their lives to rescue her in 2008 and stating that she ignored advice not to go to the area where she was kidnapped.