NCJ Number
62598
Journal
Security Management Volume: 23 Issue: 10 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1979) Pages: 6-8,10,50-52,54
Date Published
1979
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A CORPORATE EXECUTIVE, KIDNAPPED AND HELD HOSTAGE FOR 40 MONTHS BY ARMED GUERRILLAS IN VENEZUELA, RECOUNTS HIS EXPERIENCE AND OFFERS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HOSTAGE SURVIVAL.
Abstract
IN 1976, A CORPORATE EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE OF VENEZUELAN OPERATIONS FOR A MULTINATIONAL COMPANY WAS KIDNAPPED BECAUSE HE REPRESENTED CERTAIN SYMBOLS OF CAPITALISM SUCH AS PROFITS AND THE CONFLICT OF MANAGERS VERSUS WORKERS. WHILE A HOSTAGE, HE DID NOT EXHIBIT AGGRESSIVENESS, AND ALTHOUGH HE MADE NO EFFORT TO ACT SUPERIOR IN INTELLECT OR IDEOLOGY, HE DID ATTEMPT TO CONDUCT HIMSELF IN A MANNER SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE ARMED GUERRILLAS. COMMUNICATION REMAINED OPEN BETWEEN THE HOSTAGE AND HIS CAPTORS AND HE FOUND IT IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO AND TELEVISION, AND MAINTAIN A DIARY. HE GAINED INSIGHTS FROM THE EXPERIENCE AND OFFERS FIVE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING KIDNAPPING AND HOSTAGE SURVIVAL: (1) BE HUMAN; (2) COMMUNICATE; (3) SET INDIVIDUAL GOALS; (4) EAT AND EXERCISE: (5) HAVE FAITH. HE ALSO MAKES SUGGESTIONS ABOUT POSSIBLE SECURITY MEASURES FOR PERSONS LIVING OVERSEAS. (DEP)