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 “the fulfillment of 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 are being taken by María Alejandra Díaz and her colleagues to challenge the Supreme Court’s ruling against her?
**Interview with María Alejandra Díaz, Venezuelan Lawyer and Political Dissident**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, María Alejandra. Recently, the Supreme Court of Justice has sanctioned you with a prohibition from practicing law. Can you share what led to this decision?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for having me. The sanction stemmed from my participation in an appeal where multiple political organizations demanded evidence surrounding the controversial re-election of Nicolás Maduro in the presidential elections held on July 28. This action seems to have been perceived as a threat to the established order, and the ruling is clearly an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
**Interviewer:** You described the court’s measure as a “punishment.” Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Absolutely. This prohibition eliminates my right to work as a lawyer, which is my only source of income. It’s a punishment designed not just to target me personally, but to send a message to others who might consider standing up against the government. It’s crucial to note that this was done without the due process that is supposed to protect our rights as citizens.
**Interviewer:** How has this affected you and others in the legal profession?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** This ruling has a profound impact, not only on my career but also on the legal community at large. It instills fear among lawyers who might wish to support political cases against the government or advocate for human rights. Essentially, this is part of a broader strategy to undermine the independence of the judiciary and suppress any opposition.
**Interviewer:** Given these challenges, what steps are you and your colleagues taking to fight back against these sanctions?
**María Alejandra Díaz:** We are organizing movements to advocate for our rights and raise awareness about these injustices. Events like the redress gathering in my favor, supported by dissident organizations, are vital. We need solidarity, both domestically and internationally, to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all Venezuelans.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, María Alejandra. Your insights into the current situation are invaluable and highlight the ongoing struggles for justice and democracy in Venezuela.
**María Alejandra Díaz:** Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. It’s important that we continue to speak out against these injustices.
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This mock interview captures key points from María Alejandra Díaz’s experience, illustrating the broader implications of government actions in Venezuela and the ongoing fight for justice within a repressive regime.
