FARC has Swedish hostage: demobilized

Demobilized members of Colombia’s largest rebel group FARC say that the guerrillas are holding a Swedish citizen hostage.

The Swede has been in FARC captivity for two years already, the former guerrilla and squadron commander of the FARC’s 5th front say, according to radio station LA FM.

The hostage, allegedly suffering thrombosis, will not be released until US$ 5 million is paid.

This is the first mention of the Swedish hostage in the press. He is not part of the high profile group of hostages the FARC wants to swap with 500 guerrillas. According to colonel Javier Diaz, deputy commander of the army’s 17th brigade, an investigation has been opened to verify the testimonies of the demobilized.