10 Jul 2010

Former rebel hostage asks for $7M from Colombian government

Former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt is asking for about $7 million from the country's government for the years she spent as a hostage of leftist rebels.

betancourt

In documents submitted to the Colombian government last month, Betancourt and her family members say the government did not do enough to protect her.

Colombia's defense ministry publicized Betancourt's request Friday, declaring its "surprise and sorrow" at the news.

"If you ask me, it seems in very bad taste, very badly done. One does not do this. She has no case," Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos said.

More on CNN.com

Also see Ingrid Betancourt was 'worse than guards', claims a fellow hostage on the Telegraph