Ingrid Betancourt is a Colombian politician, former senator, and anti-corruption activist. She is considered Colombia's most famous hostage, especially internationally. She was kidnapped by the FARC on February 23, 2002 while campaigning for the presidency, after she decided to campaign at a very dangerous location and ignored warnings from the government, police and military not to do so. She was rescued from captivity six and a half years later by Colombian security forces.