Mendoza, creator of the controversial series, assumes a diplomatic role amid criticism and questions.
News Colombia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia has requested approval to designate Daniel Mendoza, lawyer, writer and creator of the controversial series Slaughtereras the new Colombian ambassador to Thailand.
The news, reported by W Radio and Blu Radio, has generated a wave of reactions in the political and diplomatic spheres.
Daniel Mendoza, 50, is known for his role as creator of the series Matarife: An unspeakable genocidea production that focused on linking former president Álvaro Uribe Vélez with activities related to paramilitarism and drug trafficking.
Although the series won awards such as the India Catalina, it was also the subject of strong criticism for its alleged lack of impartiality and investigative rigor.
Mendoza has also had a career marked by legal and media episodes.
In 2017, he was expelled from the exclusive El Nogal Club after accusations of corruption towards its members, but the Superior Court of Bogotá later annulled the records of his expulsion. Likewise, he faced a ruling from the Constitutional Court that forced him to rectify statements made in his series.
Despite these controversies, Mendoza has defended himself as a strong defender of freedom of expression and social justice. This new appointment, however, transfers him to a completely different scenario: the diplomatic service.
Context of the Appointment of Daniel Mendoza
Currently, the diplomatic mission in Thailand is headed by Karen Bibiana Tobar Quintero, who acts as chargé d’affaires IA.
Mendoza’s appointment seeks to strengthen relations between Colombia and Southeast Asia, but has been received with skepticism, especially by diplomatic sectors and career officials who criticize Mendoza’s lack of experience in the international arena.
Mendoza’s profile presents some particularities that could influence his performance as ambassador. He has lived in Bangkok for the last year, which has allowed him to become familiar with Thai culture, and claims to have knowledge of English and French.
He has also expressed interest in delving deeper into Buddhism, a religion widely practiced in Thailand.
Criticism and reactions
The Foreign Ministry union, Unidipro, has already expressed its rejection of Mendoza’s appointment, alleging that he ignores the principles of meritocracy in the foreign service.
Mendoza has also been the subject of criticism for his expressions on social networks, some of which have been considered inappropriate for a diplomatic representative.
The case of Mendoza is not the only one to generate controversy.
In Mexico, Mónica Arias Fernández will assume the embassy after the annulment of the appointment of Moisés Ninco Daza, and cases such as that of Sebastián Guanumen in Chile have raised questions about the political management of diplomatic appointments.
What the media from Bogotá have said:
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