Fact Check: "Hostages defended their captors during a six-day bank siege."
What We Know
The claim that "hostages defended their captors during a six-day bank siege" refers to the infamous 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden, which led to the term "Stockholm syndrome." During this incident, hostages were taken by Jan-Erik Olsson and his accomplice Clark Olofsson. Over the course of the six-day siege, hostages reportedly began to sympathize with their captors, defending their actions and expressing fear for their safety at the hands of the police. One notable example is Kristin Enmark, a hostage who communicated with the Swedish Prime Minister, stating, "I fully trust Clark and the robber... They haven't done a thing to us" and described the situation as having been "very nice" (BBC). This behavior aligns with the characteristics of what has been termed Stockholm syndrome, where hostages develop a bond with their captors.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as multiple credible sources confirm that hostages did indeed defend their captors during the siege. The BBC article details how hostages, including Enmark, expressed their trust in Olofsson and Olsson, even going so far as to refuse to leave their captors when police attempted to rescue them. This behavior is consistent with the definition of Stockholm syndrome, which is a psychological phenomenon where hostages develop positive feelings towards their captors, often as a coping mechanism in a traumatic situation (Wikipedia).
Further corroboration comes from an article on History.com, which notes that even after the siege ended, some hostages continued to visit their captors in prison, indicating a lasting bond. This suggests that the emotional connection formed during the siege was not merely a fleeting response but rather a deeper psychological phenomenon.
The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-regarded. The BBC is known for its journalistic integrity, and the historical context provided by History.com is backed by research and expert commentary on the subject. The Wikipedia entry on Stockholm syndrome also provides a thorough overview of the psychological implications of such hostage situations, although it should be noted that Wikipedia entries can be edited by anyone and should be cross-referenced with primary sources for accuracy.
Conclusion
The claim that hostages defended their captors during a six-day bank siege is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that hostages expressed sympathy for their captors, defended their actions, and even feared for the captors' safety during the standoff. This behavior is emblematic of the psychological phenomenon known as Stockholm syndrome.
