Film shows Farc hostage's release

Advertisement

The moment Oscar Tulio Lizcano reached freedom

Video footage has emerged of the moment a hostage held by the Farc guerrilla group for more than eight years was led to freedom by his captor.

The amateur video shows Oscar Tulio Lizcano being brought in a canoe to Colombian soldiers by his former captor, known only as "Isaza".

Isaza could now receive more than $400,000 in reward money and asylum in France, Colombian officials say.

The Farc are still holding more than 20 hostages in the jungles of Colombia.

They want to exchange them for hundreds of their comrades in prison.

"Isaza" (right) faces death for his desertion if caught by the Farc

Mr Lizcano, a former Colombian congressman, looks haggard and weak as he is helped from the canoe by soldiers.

Despite his bedraggled state, he happily embraces the soldiers, relieved to have escaped his pursuers after three days fleeing through the jungle of western Colombia.

Mr Lizcano, 62, has to be carried up the river bank and is then supported by a soldier as he walks away.

He told local radio that in the last four months, the rebels had marched him daily through the jungle with 14 guards.

On Thursday night, he and the group's commander escaped. They hid during the day and did not sleep for 72 hours, until reaching the military checkpoint on Sunday.

Doctors at a clinic in the western city of Cali who examined Mr Lizcano said he was suffering from anaemia, probably due to poor nutrition, and infections from parasites, but was otherwise healthy.

Legal hurdles

Mr Lizcano's former guard, however, is hoping to be able to start a new life in France.

Reports from Colombia say talks are taking place to overcome legal hurdles concerning what happens next to Isaza.

Mr Lizcano was in a weak state when he first spoke of his ordeal

This could include dropping any charges he might have faced as a member of the Farc - the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

In addition, Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos said the former rebel could receive a reward of around $419,000 (£269,000).

On Monday, French authorities said they were doing a background check to ensure Isaza qualified for asylum there.

Last year, France offered asylum to Farc rebels who defected as part of efforts to secure the release of hostages.

About 20 high-profile hostages - mainly politicians and Colombian servicemen - are still held.

As all deserters are sentenced to death by their fellow guerrillas, many were previously discouraged from making the leap to freedom.

But correspondents say the message to rebels guarding the remaining hostages is now clear: desert with your prisoners and we will make you rich and ensure you live far from the reach of the Farc.

About 1,500 rebels have fled the guerrilla army this year, correspondents say. They have brought with them invaluable intelligence and undermined the morale of the rebel fighters that remain.