René Higuita was incarcerated because he received a payment of $64,000 for his involvement in a kidnapping case, an act that constitutes an offense under Colombian law as it is illegal to profit from a kidnapping.
The Illicit Payment and Legal Violation
The former Colombian national team goalkeeper, René Higuita, found himself in legal trouble due to his role in a kidnapping incident. His actions, which included receiving a substantial sum of money for his services in the matter, directly violated Colombian legal statutes. The law explicitly prohibits individuals from gaining financially from kidnapping activities, classifying such an act as a criminal offense.
Incarceration Details and Release
Following his arrest, Higuita was held for a period of seven months. Despite his incarceration, he was ultimately released without any formal charges being filed against him. Reflecting on the situation, Higuita publicly stated his lack of awareness regarding the specific legal implications of his actions, commenting, "I'm a footballer, I didn't know anything about kidnapping laws."
Key Facts at a Glance
For a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding René Higuita's imprisonment, here's a summary of the pertinent details:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Reason for Jail | Profiting from a kidnapping incident, which is illegal under Colombian law. |
| Amount Received | $64,000 |
| Law Broken | Colombian law prohibiting the act of gaining financially from a kidnapping. |
| Duration of Imprisonment | Seven months |
| Outcome | Released without charges. |
| Higuita's Public Comment | "I'm a footballer, I didn't know anything about kidnapping laws." |
