Liverpool's Diaz Makes Emotional Plea for Dad's Release
Liverpool FC's Colombian international striker, Luis Diaz, made an emotional plea for his father's immediate release following his late goal in a 1:1 draw against Luton Town. Diaz, 26, dedicated his goal to his father, whose kidnapping by the guerrilla group Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) has left his family desperate and terrified.
As Diaz celebrated his equalizer, he revealed a shirt bearing the message "Libertad para papa", or "Freedom for dad". He shared his anguish on Instagram, expressing his family's growing concern and fear. "This suffering will not subside until we have him back home with us," he wrote.
The kidnapping took place last weekend at a petrol station in Barrancas, Diaz's hometown in northern Colombia. While his mother was released on the same day, his father remains in the clutches of the ELN. The Colombian Interior Minister, Luis Fernando Velasco, had hoped for his release soon after negotiations with the ELN, but no further updates have been shared.
The ELN, active in Colombia for decades, has been notorious for kidnappings and attacks. In 2003, the group captured the German tourist Reinhilt Weigel, holding her captive for 74 days [1]. The Diaz kidnapping has garnered sympathy in the soccer world, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino offering his support and prayers to the family.
Liverpool FC manager, Jürgen Klopp, offered Diaz his support after the match. "It was a fantastic goal, but it can't solve the real problem," Klopp said. Diaz found solace in his football and training sessions, but the wait for news of his father's release continues.
The conflict in Colombia remains volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight. The ELN's ongoing activities and the suspension of peace talks with the Colombian government have only added to the uncertainty surrounding Diaz's father's release.
Background Information
The kidnapping of Diaz's father took place during a period of peace talks between the Colombian government and the ELN. However, the negotiations were fraught with setbacks, including this incident. The ELN's continued violent activities have led to the suspension of peace talks, with President Gustavo Petro announcing their end on January 17, 2025 [2].
The Diaz family's ordeal highlights the ongoing conflict in Colombia and the gap between the signed peace accords and the ground reality. With no end in sight to the ELN's kidnappings and attacks, the situation remains critical and volatile.
