Bogota/Paris - Millions of people in Colombia and around the world gathered to demonstrate for the release of an estimated 2,800 hostages being held for years by leftwing Colombian rebels.
In Colombia alone, people in 1,100 cities and towns flooded the streets Sunday in solidarity with the hostages, with music from 100,000 Colombian performers.
The day, July 20, commemorated the independence of Colombia from Spain 198 years ago.
Demonstrators in Paris were led by Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, freed just weeks ago by a sophisticated, tricky Colombian commando ruse after nearly seven years in captivity.
"Never again hostages," the former presidential candidate shouted to thousands of protestors.
Bogota - At least 22 peo
