Because of her high political profile and dual nationality (Colombian-French), her case attracted intense international media attention. The FARC used her as a bargaining chip, releasing several "proof of life" videos over the years to show she was still alive. These authentic videos, often showing a gaunt and weakened Betancourt, were broadcast worldwide. They are a far cry from the fabricated video we will now examine.
In her statements before the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), Ingrid Betancourt detailed a reality full of psychological, physical, and gender-based torture. She recounted that she was "chained to a stick" and that commanders encouraged vulgar and disrespectful behavior towards female hostages while this did not happen with the men, demonstrating a "policy against women" within the guerrilla group. Video Violacion Ingrid Betancourt Por Farcl