Diego Bautista Urbaneja: rebel jurist who defended the independence cause (+birth)

Published at: 16/12/2023 08:00 AM

On December 16, 1783, Diego Bautista Urbaneja was born in Barcelona (Anzoátegui), a prominent Venezuelan lawyer, military and politician.

Urbaneja , was a supporter of the republican cause that joined his secessionist circles to support the movement of 1810 and joined the efforts of the Patriotic Society of Caracas, whose purpose was independence. He served as advisor to the General Intendancy of the High Police in 1812, an action that led him to prison after the fall of the First Republic, but he was released a short time later.

After the proclamation of the Second Republic, in 1813, he served as Trustee Attorney of the City Council of Caracas. Throughout his political life, he was appointed Minister of Internal Relations and Justice by Simón Bolívar in 1819, a position to which, after the departure of Bolivar, those of War and Navy would be added, when on December 17, when the Fundamental Law of Colombia was proclaimed, he signed this document in his capacity as vice-president of the Congress.

For the year 1821, he was appointed Minister of the Supreme Court of Justice, and by order of General Páez, he will hold the position of Advisor to the Chief General of the High Police. In 1830, when the Venezuelan Republic was re-established, he was Minister of Foreign Affairs and Finance.

After the independence of Venezuela, Diego Bautista Urbaneja had a prominent presence in political life, with important positions. He died in Caracas on January 12, 1856 and his remains have been resting in the National Pantheon since October 22 of the same year.

Mazo News Team