Hostage

Hostage is a person who is held by one party to compel a second party to meet certain terms. The act of taking a hostage is known as Hostage Taking. The practice dates back to ancient times and has been used in various contexts, including warfare, terrorism, and criminal activity.

History

The practice of taking hostages can be traced back to ancient times. In the Roman and Greek civilizations, hostages were often used as a means of ensuring compliance with treaties or agreements. In more recent history, hostages have been taken in the context of war, terrorism, and crime.

Legal Aspects

Under international law, taking hostages is considered a war crime. The Geneva Conventions specifically prohibit the taking of hostages in times of war. In addition, the United Nations has passed resolutions condemning the practice.

Psychological Impact

Being held hostage can have a significant psychological impact on the individual involved. This can include symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Support and treatment for these individuals is often provided by psychologists and psychiatrists.

Notable Hostage Situations

There have been numerous notable hostage situations throughout history. These include the Iran hostage crisis, the Munich massacre, and the Beslan school siege.

See Also

• Kidnapping
• Ransom
• Stockholm syndrome