Renowned Colombian journalist says he’s heading to Europe after failed assassination attempt

Journalist to leave Colombia after murder attempt

BOGOTA — A Colombian radio journalist famed for broadcasting relatives’ messages to kidnap victims says he’s leaving the country because of an apparent attempt on his life.

Herbin Hoyos says he’s leaving Monday for Europe.

He tells The Associated Press that military intelligence caught wind of the attempt on Thursday as it was in progress and alerted him so he could flee an appearance in Bogota.

The alleged attempt by FARC guerrillas on the life of the host of “Voices of Kidnapping” was first made public Saturday by President Alvaro Uribe. It comes as the FARC is said to be about to release a soldier it has held for nearly 12 years.

Hoyos will lead a motorcycle caravan from Madrid to Rome next month to raise awareness about kidnappings in Colombia.