Luis Diaz: Four men who allegedly kidnapped Liverpool star's father scolded by state prosecutor for 'laughing' during court hearing

The suspects in question attended a hearing in Colombia at which they all protested their innocence. The quartet were caught on camera sniggering amongst themselves as they appeared before a judge – with a decision set to be made on whether they will be held in jail during an ongoing criminal investigation. The state prosecutor overseeing events in the city of Riohacha said of the behaviour from those in front of him: “It seems like the detainees find this funny. They're laughing and I ask them to show more respect. This is a serious matter.”

Prosecutors will reportedly look to demonstrate that those involved in the kidnapping saga intended to benefit financially from the ordeal that they put Luis Manuel Diaz through. He was taken – alongside his wife, who was later rescued – on October 28 when out shopping. Diaz, the father of Liverpool winger Luis, was eventually released by his captors on November 9 after 13 days.

The men accused of forming part of an elaborate plot to take Diaz senior stand accused of aggravated kidnap for the purpose of extortion. The state prosecutor said he was seeking preventative custody for the men as they remain a “danger to society” and a potential flight risk were they to be released on bail. Colombian authorities consider those in question to be members of the infamous Los Primos gang and are alleged to have kidnapped Diaz before handing him over to a regional unit of the left-wing ELN insurgent group.

None of the suspects have suggested that they will be pleading guilty to the allegations made against them, with a ruling regarding prison sentences or bail set to be made on Monday. Diaz senior has been reunited with his son during the international break – with Luis back in his homeland for 2026 World Cup qualifying duty – and was in the stands to see the Liverpool star bag a brace in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Brazil on Thursday.