As Reports of Ingrid Betancourt's Failing Health Become More Dire and International Cries for Her Release Become Louder, Her Own Voice is Heard in Abrams Image's New Book

NEW YORK, April 4, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- With every passing day there are developments in the plight of Ingrid Betancourt, the well-known French-Colombian politician, former senator, and political activist who was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on February 23, 2002 while campaigning for the Colombian presidency. Before being captured, she was a voice of hope for the Colombian people, leading a courageous fight against political corruption, violence, and illegal detentions. She is still being held by FARC in the jungles of Colombia for a possible humanitarian exchange with the recognized Colombian government.

On December 1, 2007, during the arrest of several guerrillas in Bogota, the Colombian police confiscated a short video clip of Betancourt. Accompanying the video was a twelve page letter, dated October 24, 2007, written by Betancourt to her mother and family. This letter is reproduced in LETTERS TO MY MOTHER: A Message of Love, A Plea for Freedom (Abrams Image; April 2008; $14.95; 978-0-8109-7127-1), along with a response to Betancourt written by her two adult children, who have rallied public support for their mother's release since they were teenagers.

The book includes a preface by the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel. Originally released in January 2008 by French publisher Le Seuil, the book was a number one bestseller and has quickly attracted international attention, with editions coming out in, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, and throughout Latin America. Betancourt's letter to her mother -- printed in English, French, and Spanish -- is an impassioned declaration of love to those dearest to her, and an inspiring statement of courage in the face of barbarity.

       Various Betancourt family members are available for interviews.

Review copies are available.