The United States Ambassador to Brazil, Charles Burke Elbrick, was kidnapped in Rio de Janeiro by members of two left-wing urban guerrilla groups. The kidnapping occurred during Brazil’s military dictatorship and was intended to pressure the government to release political prisoners. The kidnappers demanded the publication of a manifesto and the liberation of 15 imprisoned dissidents, who were later flown into exile. Ambassador Elbrick was held captive for four days and released unharmed on 7 September 1969 after the demands were met.
