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Red Cross Cries Foul Over Colombia Deception

Objects to symbol use in hostage rescue

By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 6, 2008 3:14 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The Red Cross chided the Colombian government today for its "deliberate misuse" of the Red Cross symbol during a mission to rescue hostages, the BBC reports. “If authenticated, these images would clearly establish an improper use of the Red Cross emblem, which we deplore,” a spokesman said of footage from the July 2 mission that freed politician Ingrid Betancourt and 14 others.

Intentional misuse of the Red Cross symbol is a violation of the Geneva Conventions, as it can place humanitarian war zone workers in serious danger and undermines neutrality of the Red Cross. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe admitted that one soldier did wear the logo but that he was nervous and defying orders.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has apologized to the Red Cross for a soldier's wearing of its insignia during a hostage rescue, contending that it was not done under orders.
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has apologized to the Red Cross for a soldier's wearing of its insignia during a hostage rescue, contending that it was not done under orders.   (AP Photo)
Carlos Cuesta, left, greets family members after being released by FARC rebels, i
Carlos Cuesta, left, greets family members after being released by FARC rebels, i   (AP Photo/Juan Manuel Barrero)
If authenticated, these images would clearly establish an improper use of the Red Cross emblem, which we deplore, a spokesman said of a Colombia soldier wearing the symbol during a hostage rescue.
"If authenticated, these images would clearly establish an improper use of the Red Cross emblem, which we deplore," a spokesman said of a Colombia soldier wearing the symbol during a hostage rescue.   ((c) Julián Ortega Martínez)
Colombia has admitted that one of its soldiers wore a Red Cross insignia during the July 2 rescue of Ingrid Betancourt and others from rebel captivity.
Colombia has admitted that one of its soldiers wore a Red Cross insignia during the July 2 rescue of Ingrid Betancourt and others from rebel captivity.   (AP Photo)
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Minister again apologizes for Colombia's use
ColombiaReports.com

Rebels hand over more hostages to Red Cross
Voice of America

 
Colombia • Geneva Convention • International Committee of the Red Cross • FARC • Alvaro Uribe

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