Demand for Release of Luis Díaz's Father Draws Hundreds in Liverpool Star's Hometown in Colombia
Hundreds unite in Barrancas, Colombia, urging the immediate release of Luis Díaz's father The passionate protest showcases unwavering support for the Liverpool FC star and his family
In Barrancas, Colombia, a large crowd of people came together on Tuesday in a powerful demonstration. Their main aim was to demand the immediate release of Luis Díaz, who happens to be a prominent player for Liverpool FC, and whose father had recently been abducted. This distressing incident occurred on Saturday when Luis Manuel Díaz and his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, were taken by armed individuals on motorcycles at a gas station in Barrancas, their hometown.
Marulanda was later rescued but DÃaz Sr. is still missing, with a major police and military search operation ongoing.
Liverpool, England - October 21: Luis Diaz, a Liverpool player, actively participates in the Premier League game at Anfield against Everton FC on October 21, 2023, in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images) ***Local Caption*** Luis Diaz.
Authorities are still tirelessly searching for the abducted father of Liverpool FC player Luis Díaz as both the police and military remain actively involved. In a recently shared video on X (formerly Twitter), journalist Aldair Rodríguez Suárez captures the sight of numerous individuals parading through the town. Among them, some proudly adorn t-shirts with the visage of Díaz Sr., while many others raise aloft white balloons while fervently chanting for his safe return.
Colombian authorities announced on Monday that they have identified potential individuals associated with the kidnapping, according to General Alejandro Zapata, the deputy chief of the national police. He revealed this information during a press conference.
"When such events occur, they are typically premeditated rather than spontaneous. Our focus of investigation lies on individuals who strategically position others in order to orchestrate their arrival, which is precisely what we are currently scrutinizing."
On Monday, a thorough search operation was conducted along the forest that borders Colombia and Venezuela. This operation involved a team of 130 officers from multiple police departments, 120 military personnel, two motorized platoons, an unmanned aircraft, checkpoints, helicopters, and a specialized radar-equipped plane."
There were rumors circulating that the abductors might attempt to transport Díaz Sr. across the border and into Venezuela. However, Zapata confirmed that there is no concrete evidence supporting this claim.
General William René Salamanca RamÃrez has been leading the search in La Guajira, Colombia.
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The kidnapping took place in La Guajira and is believed to be in proximity to the border, according to the official. Presently, there is no evidence suggesting that the border has been crossed. While we cannot state this as a certainty, the possibility of the perpetrators seeking to escape to that area is highly likely.
Zapata further mentioned that the police have made advancements in the investigation, and their findings are currently under scrutiny by specialized military and police intelligence units focused on anti-kidnapping efforts.
DÃaz Jr. was absent during Liverpool's 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday. In a gesture of support, Diogo Jota, his teammate, displayed the number 7 shirt of the Colombian player after scoring a goal.
"We are fully committed to supporting him in every possible way," stated Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders to reporters before Liverpool's League Cup match against Bournemouth on Wednesday, a game in which Díaz will not be participating.
"Numerous factors are beyond our control, and this is expected. Our hope is that the local authorities will locate his father and that all is well. We are praying for this outcome."
