Colombian ELN rebels release Liverpool star Luis Diaz’s kidnapped father
After almost two weeks, the kidnapped father of Liverpool football Luis Diaz has been released by his captors, the guerrilla group National Liberation Army or ELN, the Colombian government said on Thursday.
On October 28, the footballer’s father, Luis Manuel Diaz and his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, were kidnapped in the small town of Barrancas, but police rescued Marulanda within hours of being captured while Mr Diaz had been held captive until yesterday.
According to VOA, ELN acknowledged the kidnappings were a mistake and ordered the elder Diaz’s release.
The incident became more prominent around the world after the footballer scored a stoppage-time equaliser to rescue Liverpool from a surprising defeat by Luton Town on Sunday.
After scoring, he lifted his jersey to reveal the words “Libertad Para Papa” (freedom for dad), prompting the footballing world to declare their support for the player.
Over 160 kidnappings and 121 releases were orchestrated by various armed groups in Colombia between January 2022 and September 2023.
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