The prominent Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba has spoken out about her removal from the Colombian Senate and eighteen-year ban from public office. Colombia’s Inspector General ousted Córdoba this week for allegedly aiding members of the FARC, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Córdoba has been a leading critic of former Colombia president Álvaro Uribe and the US-backed drug war in Colombia. Her mediation efforts have helped free hostages held by the FARC. On Tuesday, Córdoba vowed to remain involved in talks with the rebels.

Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba: “To all the hostages in the world and in the country, to all those hostages of the FARC and the ELN, they have to be completely sure that this will not make us retreat, this will not intimidate us, that this will not scare me, that we will not leave the families alone. And to those who are listening to me in the jungle, you can be sure that even if it comes to that point and I go to jail, from jail my voice will be heard, sovereign, strong, to insist on the necessity of the humanization and the need for peace.”