Extradited FARC guerrilla “Cesar” in 2008 negotiated the release of his then-captive Ingrid Betancourt with the Colombian government without the knowledge of his superiors, his lawyer confirmed.
In an interview with Caracol Radio, the former attorney of the guerrillas’ captor confirmed diplomatic cables from June 2008 wherein a church official told the U.S. embassy said that Gerardo Aguilar Ramirez, alias Cesar had offered to release Betancourt if the government allowed him to avoid justice and move to France.
XXXXXXXXXXXX told us on June 13 that the Church is in indirect
contact with FARC First Front Commander Giraldo Antionio
Alguilar Ramirez ("Cesar") who is supposedly seeking GOC
release of his wife and daughter -- as well as a GOC commitment
to allow himself, his family, and any FARC who demobilize with
him safe passage to France -- in exchange for freeing Ingrid
Betancourt.
According to Rodolfo Rios, who was Cesar’s defense attorney before his extradition, said he resigned as Cesar’s lawyer because “between the government, Cesar and apparently [fellow guerrilla] Gafas there also had been a series of pacts to release these people.”
Following the rescue of Betancourt, the FARC consistently accused Cesar of being a traitor.
