Former human rights lawyer Jordan Rodas left the country for El Salvador at 2:31 a.m. on August 20, migration spokeswoman Alejandra Mena confirmed. He crossed the border by land at the Valle Nuevo Border Post.
Rodas left Guatemala at the end of his term as magistrate of conscience. He was appointed President of PDH for the period 2017-2022. In his place, Congress appointed José Alejandro Cordova, who took office this Saturday, August 20, and presented his work plan for the period 2022-2027.
Last May, representatives of the Congressional Commission on Human Rights requested that Rodas be fired, but the request was unsuccessful and was not heard by the plenary session. The ex-lawyer was summoned several times by that legislative chamber.
On the last day of Rodas’ administration, groups of citizens came to PDH headquarters to place banners representing the magistrate of conscience; Some to thank him for his work and others to celebrate his departure and criticize his administration.
In a private act at PDH headquarters, acting attorney Miriam Roquel handed over the position to Cordova.
As he left to present his work plan, Cordova said he had no idea Rhodes was leaving the country because he was told around 7:50 a.m. that the former attorney would not be accompanying him to the event due to health issues.
This Saturday afternoon, August 20, Rodas posted a message on the social network Twitter, stating that he had fulfilled his mandate and handed over “the position accordingly” and that he would be leaving the country for a while due to professional obligations. .
🚨 As the Human Rights Ombudsman I have complied and handed over the post accordingly. I reaffirm my commitment to higher education, the University of San Carlos, worthy protest and democracy in Guatemala📌 #Our fight pic.twitter.com/ePoLv6moW6
— Jordan Rhodes Andrade (@JordanRodas) August 20, 2022