We are living like the dead, says Colombian hostage’s letter

A former presidential candidate held by Leftist rebels describes in an emotional letter how she has lost her hair...

A former presidential candidate held by Leftist rebels describes in an emotional letter how she has lost her hair, appetite and hope after nearly six years constantly on the move in Colombia’s jungles.

The letter, along with videos released by Government officials on Friday, were the first evidence in years that Ingrid Betancourt and other rebel-held hostages including three US military contractors may still be alive.

The materials were seized during the arrest in Bogota of three suspected members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

“Here, we are living like the dead,” Betancourt writes to her mother. The dual French national was kidnapped in February 2002 while campaigning for the presidency.

An outspoken former lawmaker, who was once determined to tackle Colombia’s rampant corruption, Betancourt sounds resigned in the 12-page handwritten letter, dated October 24.

“I no longer have the same strength, it is very difficult for me to continue believing,” she writes. “I am not well physically… My appetite is frozen, my hair is falling out in large quantities.”

A short videotape released with the letter shows grainy images of an extremely gaunt Betancourt staring at the ground, rosary in hand.