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1M-Plus March for Colombian Hostages

Cities across the globe show support for captives

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 20, 2008 6:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – More than a million people marched in Bogota, Columbia and other world capitals today demanding the freedom of captives held hostage by leftist rebels in the Columbian jungle, AFP reports. Recently liberated captive Ingrid Betancourt led chants of "No More hostages" in Paris on Columbia's independence day, as famous musicians from across the globe staged a concert there.

Rallies to free the estimated 2,700 hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the National Liberation Army took place in 1,000 towns and cities across Colombia, as well as Madrid and other European cities. A crowd of thousands also gathered outside the White House.

Demonstrators protest at Bogota's main square against kidnapping in Bogota, Sunday, July 20, 2008.
Demonstrators protest at Bogota's main square against kidnapping in Bogota, Sunday, July 20, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Spectators sing with Franco-Colombian Politician Ingrid Betancourt during  a concert in celebration of Colombia's independence day and to support a march against kidnapping in Paris.
Spectators sing with Franco-Colombian Politician Ingrid Betancourt during a concert in celebration of Colombia's independence day and to support a march against kidnapping in Paris.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Franco-Colombian Politician Ingrid Betancourt adresses to the audience during a concert in celebration of Colombia's independence day and to support a march against kidnapping.
Franco-Colombian Politician Ingrid Betancourt adresses to the audience during a concert in celebration of Colombia's independence day and to support a march against kidnapping.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Franco-Colombian Politician Ingrid Betancourt adresses to the audience during a concert in celebration of Colombia's independence day and to support a march against kidnapping at Trocadero plaza near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Sunday, July 20, 2008.
Franco-Colombian Politician Ingrid Betancourt adresses to the audience during a concert in celebration of Colombia's independence day and to support a march against kidnapping at Trocadero plaza near...   (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Demonstrators protest at Bogota's main square against kidnapping in Bogota, Sunday, July 20, 2008.
Demonstrators protest at Bogota's main square against kidnapping in Bogota, Sunday, July 20, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Demonstrators in chains, symbolizing kidnapped people, protest during a march against kidnapping in Bogota, Sunday, July 20, 2008.
Demonstrators in chains, symbolizing kidnapped people, protest during a march against kidnapping in Bogota, Sunday, July 20, 2008.   (AP Photo)
People carry signs at a march to support peace for Colombia in Lima, Saturday, July 19, 2008.
People carry signs at a march to support peace for Colombia in Lima, Saturday, July 19, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Demonstrators protest at Bogota's main square against kidnapping in Bogota, Sunday, July 20, 2008.
Demonstrators protest at Bogota's main square against kidnapping in Bogota, Sunday, July 20, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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