David Noriega Rodríguez
David Noriega Rodríguez | |
|---|---|
Puerto Rico House of Representatives | |
| In office 1984–1996 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 10, 1945 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Died | May 4, 2013 San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | Movimiento Unión Soberanista (MUS) Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) |
| Spouse | Carmen Costas |
| Alma mater | University of Puerto Rico |
| Occupation | Attorney, legislator, politician, political analyst |
David Noriega Rodríguez (April 10, 1945 – May 4, 2013) was a Puerto Rican lawyer, politician, and political analyst. He was one of the most relevant political figures in Puerto Rico during the last two decades of the 20th century, when he was a member of the
Early years and studies
David Noriega Rodríguez was born in 1945. His father was Elías Noriega Martínez.[1] Noriega studied political science at the University of Puerto Rico. He then completed a degree in law.[2]
Political career
Noriega's political career began in the late 1960s, after being elected as president of the General Council of the University of Puerto Rico in the year 1967. He was also Secretary of the Youth of the PIP in 1968. Two years later, he was elected as Secretary of the party. In 1979, Noriega also served as Secretary of Legislative Affairs for the PIP, and in 1980 served as Electoral Commissioner.[1]
Noriega was first elected to the
Noriega was the gubernatorial candidate of the
Because of differences with the leadership of the PIP, he resigned from the party in the late 1990s. Noriega was one of the voices that promoted
Fight against corruption
During the late 1990s, Noriega became renowned for his work in the famous case of the "carpetas". The "carpetas" were secret dossiers on independence supporters that were maintained by local police with help from federal authorities.[7] These dossiers were used as instruments of persecution against those who sought political independence for the island. Noriega was one of the plaintiffs in the case held against the Government of Puerto Rico.[2] The lawsuit led to the opening of the files and passage of legislation banning such ideological persecution.
In the first years of the 2000s, Noriega was named by Governor
Later years
Noriega later returned to his practice of law, and also served as a political analyst in Puerto Rican radio and news programs.
During his last years, Noriega was one of the founders of the
Personal life
Noriega was married to Carmencita Costas. They had three children together: Rebeca, David, and Javier.[7]
Illness and death
On March 26, 2013, Noriega confirmed that he was suffering from cancer, and was undergoing treatment for it.[8] He died of pancreatic cancer in the morning of May 4, 2013.[1] As a result, Governor Alejandro García Padilla declared two days of mourning.[9]
References
- ^ a b c d e "Restos de David Noriega serán expuestos en Río Piedras". El Nuevo Día. May 4, 2013. Archived from the original on May 6, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
- ^ a b c "In Memoriam: David Noriega". El Nuevo Día. May 5, 2013. Archived from the original on May 9, 2013.
- ^ "Elecciones Generales 1992: Representantes por Acumulación". CEEPUR. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
- ^ "Fallece el líder independentista David Noriega". El Nuevo Día. May 4, 2013. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013.
- ^ "Elecciones Generales 1996: Gobernador – Totales Isla". CEEPUR. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
- ^ Díaz, Rafael (May 4, 2013). "Muere David Noriega, grande su legado". NotiCel. Archived from the original on May 6, 2013. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
- ^ Caribbean Business. Archived from the originalon July 5, 2013.
- ^ Rodríguez, Israel (March 26, 2013). "Esta batalla es hasta lo último". El Nuevo Día.
- ^ "Dos días de duelo por la muerte de David Noriega". El Nuevo Día. May 6, 2013. Archived from the original on May 9, 2013. Retrieved May 6, 2013.