Besides making multi-million dollar music deals, Shakira spends most of her free time fighting for causes dear to her heart. So, it is no surprise that when former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt (along with 15 other hostages) was rescued yesterday after being kidnapped and held for six years, Shaki was quick to show her support.

Este es un día histórico para todos nosotros, para esta patria nuestra que ha sufrido tanto pero que hoy llora de emoción y de alegría uniéndonos en un inmenso abrazo. Colombia hoy se pone de pie y mira con esperanza el futuro de paz que se acerca.

Colombian forces apparently infiltrated the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, and tricked them into sending Betancourt and the other hostages up in a helicopter to their freedom. Betancourt had been held captive since being kidnapped during her presidential run in 2002. Shakira is totally inspired by her struggle:

Ingrid, es el símbolo del sufrimiento de todos aquellos cuya libertad les ha sido robada, junto a sus compañeros de rescate eran nuestras propias libertades perdidas. Lo son también quienes todavía padecen en la selva el cautiverio de los violentos que le deben al país y a su conciencia deponer las armas.

Hopefully, this is a step towards creating the peace in Colombia that Shakira so desperately fights for. [MTV TR3s Radio Noticias]

Photo via BMI