Section 2 Summary: The Extraditables
The Extraditables do not publicly acknowledge the first eight kidnappings until October 30. However, Pablo Escobar admits his role in the abductions of Maruja and Beatriz just days after they occur. The Extraditables announce that they will release the hostages and surrender if they are guaranteed not to be extradited, receive security in prison, and if police abuses in Medellín stop. Nonetheless, President César Gaviria and his administration had already approved a decree in September for the traffickers' surrender. This decree stated that the right against extradition would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Escobar dismisses the decree because it does not guarantee that he and the other Extraditables will avoid extradition.
By the time Maruja and Beatriz are kidnapped, the government and the victims' families have had numerous interactions with the Extraditables. Former President Turbay and Hernando Santos, Pacho's father, try to negotiate with Escobar, but President Gaviria is firm on not altering the decree. The government's only stance regarding the narcoterrorists is that they must surrender. By November 7, when Gaviria's administration issues the official decree outlining the government's policy of capitulation, which does not explicitly guarantee that the Extraditables will not be extradited, no progress is made in freeing the hostages. After Maruja's kidnapping, her husband, Alberto Villamizar, also gets involved, but he is unable to persuade Gaviria to negotiate either.
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