by Dan Morris-Young
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Colombian human rights activist Ingrid Betancourt will "share her extraordinary story of ... activism, persecution and resilience, including her kidnapping by rebels and six years of captivity in the Colombian jungle" tonight at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., according to a school media release.
Betancourt is a former Colombian senator and one-time Colombian presidential hopeful. In February 2002, she was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). More than six years later, she and 14 other hostages, including three Americans, were rescued by Colombian security forces.
The rescue received worldwide attention, notably in France because of Betancourt's dual French-Colombian citizenship.
Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008, she continues to campaign for the release of the more than 700 people estimated to be held hostage today in Colombia.
The lecture is part of the Jesuit university's Presidential Speaker Series and will take place at 7 p.m. in Gonzaga's McCarthey Athletic Center.