Anel Omar Rodríguez
Anel Omar Rodríguez (died March 10, 2009) was a Panamanian politician, who served as Panama's Minister of Culture and deputy Minister of Labor during his career.[1] Rodriguez was considered a prominent member of Panama's governing Democratic Revolutionary Party at the time of his death in 2009.[1]
Rodriguez previously served as the deputy Minister of Labor, before being appointed as Culture Minister under Panamanian President Martin Torrijos.[1] He had also served as Panama's ambassador to Cuba.[2] Rodriguez also served as the head of Panama’s National Culture Institute until his death.[1]
Rodriguez was killed on March 10, 2009, when he was accidentally caught in the crossfire of a shootout between robbers and security guards outside the National Lottery for Charity in Panama City.[1] He was believed to be running an errand near the lottery building when he was caught in the shootout and killed, along with a Brinks security guard.[1] Rodriguez had just left his car in front of the lottery building when the shooting began.[2]
President Martin Torrijos called Rodriguez, "An exemplary Panamanian, a great patriot and an excellent father."[1] Opposition presidential candidate Balbina Herrera blamed criminals from outside the country for the shootout, saying that Mexican and Colombian nationals should have to obtain visas to enter Panama.[2]
Anel Omar Rodríguez was 47 years old at the time of his murder. He was survived by his wife and four children.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Panamanian Official Killed in Botched Robbery". Latin American Herald Tribune. 2009-03-11. Retrieved 2009-03-31.
- 1 2 3 4 "Panamanian official killed in robbery crossfire". CNN International. 2009-03-11. Retrieved 2009-03-31.