Caracas, Nov 13 (EFE).- Venezuelan lawyer María Alejandra Díaz, whom the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) sanctioned with a prohibition to practice his professionsaid this Wednesday that the measure is a “punishment” for having attended an appeal in which several political organizations requested evidence of the controversial re-election of Nicolás Maduro in the presidential elections on July 28.
«They punish us by eliminating our right to work, but, also, without due process. “It is our way of life, we have no other income other than professional practice.”said the jurist in an act of redress in her favor, organized by dissident movements of the ruling Chavismo, among them the Communist Party of Venezuela (PCV).
He stressed that This sanction is something “unprecedented”which falls on her after 35 years of practicing law and after two years in which she had a more critical role against the Maduro Government, which she defended until the last five years.
«We believe that “It is a bill for our political positions.”insisted Díaz, who says he feels in a “legal limbo”, because – he explains – the suspension has an “indefinite” duration, at least until the TSJ clarifies its decision to know if he should appeal to the court or go to the Bar Association.
In this sense, he said that he also asked the court for explanations about the way in which he must pay the imposed fine of 100 euros ($105.64).
Díaz asked the lawyers’ union to rule on this caseBecause – he warns – all jurists who demand “compliance with a constitutional right” are being put at risk if “the Government feels that they are getting in the way.”
«The one that is threatened is the lawyers’ union. “That is the most serious thing about this entire sentence and that is why we believe that we must act,” he said.
Last week, the TSJ rejected the appeal assisted by Díaz and fined and sanctioned her, “given the serious allegations” in the constitutional protection introduced, which question and disrespect the power held by the Supreme Court and which, in addition, “intend generate anxiety and shock in the population.
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What specific actions can legal professionals in Venezuela take to resist government-sanctioned repression?
**Interview with María Alejandra Díaz: Facing Sanctions in Venezuela**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, María Alejandra. We appreciate you taking the time amidst these challenging circumstances. Can you start by explaining what led to the Supreme Court’s decision to sanction you?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for having me. The sanction came after I attended an appeal presented by various political organizations. They sought to obtain evidence regarding the controversial re-election of Nicolás Maduro during the presidential elections on July 28. My participation has apparently been viewed as a challenge to the current regime.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that this sanction feels like a punishment. Can you elaborate on how this affects you personally and professionally?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Absolutely. The prohibition on practicing law not only strips me of my right to work but also undermines my livelihood. I depend solely on my legal practice for income, so this measure directly threatens my way of life. It feels unjust, especially as it was imposed without any due process.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly difficult. You referred to this as a form of punishment. How do you see this action in the broader context of the legal system in Venezuela?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** It exemplifies how the judicial system is being manipulated to suppress dissent and discourage legal professionals from challenging the government. This is not just about me; it’s about creating an atmosphere of fear within the legal community, where others may think twice before defending political rights or raising lawful objections to governmental actions.
**Interviewer:** How have you responded to this sanction? What support do you have from the community or organizations?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** I have received immense support from various dissident movements, which organized an act of redress in my favor. They are crucial in amplifying concerns about this judicial overreach. It is vital that we continue to stand together and speak out against these injustices, as silencing one of us affects all.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what do you hope for the future of legal practice in Venezuela and for your own situation?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** I hope for a return to a fair and independent judiciary, where lawyers can operate without fear of sanction for doing their jobs. For my own situation, I aspire to have my right to practice restored so I can continue advocating for justice and human rights in my country.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, María Alejandra. Your courage in speaking out is inspiring. We wish you the best as you navigate these challenging times.
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for your support. It is heartening to know that our struggles are being recognized beyond our borders.
