Joy and Relief: Luis Díaz's Father Released from ELN Captivity
Joy and Relief: Luis Díaz's Father Released from ELN Captivity
Luis Diaz
In a heartening turn of events, the father of Liverpool soccer sensation Luis Díaz, who was abducted by the Colombian guerrilla group National Liberation Army (ELN) last month, has been freed. The release took place on Thursday, with representatives from the United Nations and the Catholic Church receiving Luis Díaz Sr. in Valledupar, Colombia, as confirmed by Colombia's Episcopal Conference.
The Episcopal Conference expressed gratitude for Mr. Luis Díaz's release, noting the involvement of Mons. Francisco Ceballos and Mons. Héctor Henao, who formed a humanitarian commission to facilitate the reunion. Ceballos personally participated in the operation, using a helicopter to retrieve Díaz's father from a forested area near the Colombian-Venezuelan border.
Luis Manuel Díaz and his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, were abducted by armed individuals from the ELN at a gas station in Barrancas, their hometown, on October 28. While Marulanda was rescued on the same day, a comprehensive search operation was underway to locate Díaz Sr.
Luis Díaz, despite the challenging circumstances, played and scored for Liverpool in a recent Premier League match against Luton Town, passionately appealing for his father's release.
The ELN had previously cited Colombian military operations hindering the release, expressing concerns about potential clashes with official forces. However, the successful release prompted Luis Díaz's inclusion in Liverpool's starting lineup for the Europa League match against Toulouse.
Liverpool Football Club issued a statement expressing joy at Díaz Sr.'s safe return, extending gratitude to all involved parties. Both the Colombian government's Peace Delegation and the ELN welcomed the release, with the delegation acknowledging the efforts of the police, military, United Nations verification mission, and the Episcopal Conference.
However, the kidnapping has added complexity to the ongoing peace talks with the ELN, leading the delegation to demand the immediate release of all current ELN captives in future discussions.
Colombia's Ombudsman, Carlos Camargo Assis, echoed these demands, urging all illegal armed groups to release kidnapping victims, emphasizing the 79 reported kidnappings in the country this year. The Colombia Football Federation also expressed thanks to the forces involved in securing Luis Díaz Sr.'s release, marking the end of a challenging chapter for the Díaz family and bringing relief to fans and well-wishers alike.
